IBM today sent Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal a letter voicing the company’s strong opposition to a state bill that would legally protect discrimination based on same-sex marriage status.

The Honorable Bobby Jindal
Governor, State of Louisiana
PO Box 94004
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9004

Dear Governor Jindal,

I am writing to express IBM’s strong opposition to H.B. 707, the Marriage and Conscience Act.  We are deeply concerned by reports that you intend to support this legislation.

IBM has made significant investments in Louisiana including most recently a technology services delivery center in Baton Rouge, creating new jobs for Louisiana workers.  We located the center in Baton Rouge because we believe Louisiana has great talent and would continue to be a rich source of such talent.  However a bill that legally protects discrimination based on same-sex marriage status will create a hostile environment for our current and prospective employees, and is antithetical to our company’s values.  IBM will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana if this bill is passed and enacted into law.

Our perspective is grounded in IBM’s 104-year history and our deep legacy of diversity and inclusion – a legacy to which we remain strongly committed today.  IBM is opposed to discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected categories.

We urge you to work with the Legislature to ensure this legislation is not discriminatory.

Thank you for considering our views.

Sincerely,
James M. Driesse
Senior State Executive

CC:
The Hon. John A. Alario, Jr
President, Louisiana State Senate
State Capitol Building
PO Box 94183
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

The Hon. Charles E. Checkley
Speaker, Louisiana House of Representatives
State Capitol Building
PO Box 94062
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

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Click Here to download the letter.