Louisiana LGBTQ Advocates Fear Passage of Transgender Rights Restrictions Under New Republican Governor

Louisiana's LGBTQ advocates are expressing deep concerns about the potential passage of transgender rights restrictions under the state's new Republican governor, Jeff Landry. The Republican-controlled Legislature is currently advancing several bills that would restrict discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, require the use of pronouns and names assigned at birth, and limit access to gender-affirming medical care and sports for transgender minors.

This legislative push comes after the previous Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, used his veto power to block similar bills during his tenure. However, with Landry now in office and Republicans holding a supermajority in the Legislature, these bills are expected to become law. "Now that Governor Edwards is no longer in office, they're targeting our community," said Heather Goodman D'Anna, president of PACE, a local LGBTQ advocacy group.

The proposed legislation includes a 'Don't Say Gay' bill that restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools, which passed in the House with a 67-28 vote. Another bill, HB 121, prohibits school employees from addressing students by a name other than their legal name without written permission from their parents. Advocates argue that these bills dehumanize and disrespect the autonomy of young people.

Why this matters: The advancement of these bills in Louisiana mirrors a broader national trend of legislation targeting transgender rights, particularly those of transgender youth, in recent years. The passage of such restrictions could have significant impacts on the well-being and rights of the LGBTQ community in the state.

LGBTQ advocates in Louisiana are organizing to fight the new legislation, seeking sanctuary city policies, and looking to the courts for guidance. They are also working to get more Democrats elected to the Legislature in hopes of repealing the targeted legislation. Five transgender youths and their families have already filed a lawsuit against the state's ban on gender-affirming medical care. "If we move forward with these bills, it's going to be more harmful than not," said Steven Knight, an LGBTQ advocate. The two bills are currently under review by a Senate committee.

Key Takeaways

• Louisiana's new Republican governor and GOP legislature aim to restrict transgender rights.
• Proposed bills would limit discussions of gender identity, require birth names, and restrict medical care.
• These bills follow the previous Democratic governor's vetoes of similar legislation.
• LGBTQ advocates are organizing to fight the new laws, seeking sanctuary policies and legal action.
• Five transgender youths have filed a lawsuit against the state's ban on gender-affirming care.