HB234 seeks to establish crucial employment discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Louisiana. Currently, the state lacks explicit safeguards against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. If enacted, this bill would fill this gap by prohibiting employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By extending these vital protections, HB234 aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all residents of Louisiana, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

HB98, the Same-Sex Marriage Constitutional Amendment, proposes to amend the state constitution of Louisiana to adopt language regarding marriage reflective of the Supreme Court decision on Obergefell. If passed, this bill would ensure that same-sex marriages are recognized within the state, aligning Louisiana's laws with those of other states that have legalized same-sex marriage. Additionally, HB98 will guarantee the recognition of same-sex marriages conducted in other states by Louisiana, thereby promoting fairness for all couples regardless of sexual orientation.

HB436 authored by Rep. Freeman would modernize HIV criminalization laws to better serve their intended purpose and follow scientific data. The bill proposes clearer definitions, ensuring that the law focuses on stopping individuals from intentionally spreading HIV. Currently, the law's vague language leads to the unjust criminalization of individuals beyond the intended scope.

SB150, authored by Sen. Duplessis, proposes a crucial measure to provide relief for individuals convicted under the Crime Against Nature by Solicitation (CANS) law by establishing a pathway to vacate these convictions entirely. This initiative is essential to enable affected individuals to reclaim their lives fully, as convictions under CANS often resulted in placement on the sex offender registry. By allowing these individuals to vacate their convictions, SB150 seeks to rectify the unjust consequences of CANS and promote opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

SB283, authored by Sen. Duplessis, would completely repeal the Crime Against Nature by Solicitation (CANS) law. This law, historically applied disproportionately against black trans women in New Orleans, carries severe penalties, including placement on the sex offender registry. SB283 seeks to rectify this injustice by eliminating the law altogether.

HB 608 by Rep. Wilder, “Trans Erasure Bathroom Bill”: This bill seeks to erase the existence of transgender and non-binary people by defining sex and gender in a way that excludes them. It prohibits trans and non-binary individuals from using bathrooms in schools, shelters, correctional facilities, athletics, dormitories, and any sex-segregated public accommodations controlled by the state, effectively denying them basic rights and dignity.

The current attacks over parental rights is turning public schools into political battlegrounds, fracturing communities, and diverting time and energy away from teaching and learning. It is not fair or appropriate for some parents to attempt to impose their beliefs on public schools that serve all of our children.

Putting politicians in charge of school policy is a bad idea. And that is exactly what Rep. Crews’ “Deadnaming + Pronoun Usage in School” and “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” by Rep. Horton.

Every child deserves to have a safe and supportive family, but sadly we know that is not always the case. Bills that force teachers and counselors to make assumptions about a child’s identity with parents will expose some children to verbal or physical harm, being kicked out of their homes, or being subjected to harmful “conversion therapy” practices.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth face high rates of homelessness because of rejection from parents or guardians. And HB 121 and HB 122 will do just that.

45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming.

14% of LGBTQ teens attempted suicide last year

LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.

Teachers are professionals with years of training, experience, and insight. When politicians try to micromanage them, it takes away time and energy they need to teach and support the students in their classroom. And Louisiana kids need all the help they can get… we continue to rank 50th in the nation.

Public school education helps students prepare for their future by encouraging curiosity and critical thinking through math and science, art and music, history and literature. It sets a dangerous precedent when some politicians want to force schools to enforce their personal ideologies.

TRACKING:

HB 121 by Rep. Crews, “Deadnaming + Pronouns in Schools” bill: This bill poses a threat to transgender and gender non-conforming youth by requiring schools to disclose information about students' gender identities to their legal guardians. It also allows school employees to assert moral objections to using students' preferred names and pronouns, thereby disrespecting students' identities, regardless of parental approval.

HB 122 by Rep. Horton “Don’t Say Gay”: This bill prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. It also mandates the removal of all LGBTQ+ supportive clubs and censors teachers and staff from discussing their own identities, thereby erasing LGBTQ+ visibility and support in educational settings.

RESOURCES:

TALKING ABOUT ANTI-LGBTQ SCHOOL BILLS & FALSE 'GROOMER' ATTACKS

Libraries and public education are cornerstones of our communities. They are places to seek answers, find information about the world and our government, connect with resources, and more. Gov. Landry and extremist legislators want to restrict youth access to our public libraries and schools by censoring LGBTQ+ books and any other literature they find objectionable. Although books with LGBTQ themes or characters make up a tiny percentage of books in local libraries, they dominate the discussion of what is not appropriate for our youth.

Libraries and schools are voluntary access points for youths to gain information and ideas. Our youth, our future, must have access to various resources and materials that they need to learn and grow in our ever challenging, complex world.

TRACKING:

HB 414 by Rep. Carlson “Criminalization of Libraries Bill”: This bill removes protections against obscenity laws for public libraries. Current law exempts schools, libraries, and other institutions from obscenity laws, but HB 414 would remove this protection, potentially subjecting libraries to censorship and legal challenges.

HB 545 by Rep. Amedee: Similar to HB 414, this bill removes protections against obscenity laws specifically for public K-12 schools. It eliminates the current exemption for schools from obscenity laws, thereby exposing them to potential censorship and legal consequences.

HB 640 by Rep. Galle “Library Censorship + Control Bill”: This bill limits the power of local Library Boards of Control by granting parish governments the authority to remove board members at will and without cause. This undermines the independence and autonomy of library boards and could lead to politicization and interference in library operations.

RESOURCES

ALA Censorship Preparedness Guide

Sign LocALL’s petition against book bans in Louisiana Libraries.

ACLU of Louisiana Legislative Guide

LTA Lege Tracker

Louisiana Legislative Website

Louisiana Legislative Bill Search

Louisiana House of Representatives

Louisiana State Senate