Tell it to the hand, IBM
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal really rolled out the red carpet to IBM. After executives of one of the state's newest and most notable tech companies voiced vehement opposition to a proposed "religious freedom" bill in the state, Jindal
signed an executive order modeled after the anti-LGBT measure, which had stalled in the legislature. IBM executives, in turn, cancelled a Monday ribbon cutting that was supposed to celebrate the opening of its new
National Service Center, which is bringing 800 jobs to Baton Rouge. Andre Moreau
reports:
The event on June 22 had been reserved for months, according to several city leaders, including Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District.
The technology giant IBM voiced "strong opposition" to Louisiana's so-called religious freedom legislation as far back as mid-April.
In a letter to the governor, IBM executives said the legislation cut at the very heart of what their company stands for, equal rights and opportunity for everyone, discrimination for no one. The letter implored Jindal not to support any agenda that protected discrimination against LGBT people.
Jindal, naturally, did exactly the opposite.
Bobby Jindal—one smart dude. Hard to believe his presidential bid isn't gaining much traction.