Contact: Kenneth Chan, National Religious Broadcasters, 703-331-4520, press@nrb.org

MANASSAS, Va., May 20, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, President & CEO of NRB, today thanked Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal for working to protect religious freedom by Executive Order following the defeat of the Marriage and Conscience Act (HB 707) in a Louisiana House Committee on Tuesday.

"I applaud Governor Jindal for recognizing the importance of defending America's fundamental freedom to live out the tenets of our faith every day," said Dr. Johnson. "Why should it be controversial to prevent the government from targeting and coercing people whose religious belief is that marriage is the holy union of one man and one woman?"

Louisiana's Marriage and Conscience Act would have denied the state the authority to take "adverse action" against people based on their "religious belief or moral conviction about the institution of marriage." When the bill was defeated in the state's House Civil Law and Procedure Committee, Governor Jindal quickly issued a similar Executive Order.

"Powerful lobbying interests that claim to champion tolerance are showing their refusal to tolerate any belief that does not fit with their own," added Dr. Johnson. "I hope cooler heads in public service at the local, state, and national levels will join Governor Jindal in not bowing to the admittedly well-funded and powerful pressure of these groups. Until then, I am glad that this leader understands religious liberty and how to use Executive Orders."

About NRB
The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a non-partisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Our mission is to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members. Learn more at www.nrb.org.

About the NRB Convention
The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. NRB 2016 will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN, February 23-26, 2016. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.