Lawsuit challenges US governor Bobby Jindal's religious objections order

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Republican presidential aspirant Bobby Jindal has been sued by rights groups who claim that an executive order by the Louisiana Governor giving special protections to people who oppose gay marriage is unconstitutional.

In their lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, a gay rights advocacy group and six New Orleans residents alleged that Jindal has overstepped his executive authority by trying to provide a right to same-sex marriage opponents that only the legislature can give.

Jindal's signed the "Marriage and Conscience Order," on May 19 after the Louisiana legislature refused to pass a bill that would have implemented similar protections for same-sex marriage opponents.

"Under the Louisiana Constitution, the governor is not authorised to create a substantive right by executive order. The 'Marriage and Conscience Order' creates substantive rights in favour of those who oppose marriage equality, and therefore is invalid," ACLU of Louisiana said in a statement.

"Governor Jindal has violated the Louisiana Constitution by setting up special protections for those who share his belief system. In our country no one is above the law, including the Governor. He swore to uphold the laws of Louisiana. This lawsuit seeks to hold him to that oath," said ACLU Louisiana's executive director Marjorie Esman.