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Mar 19, 2023

Louisiana set to join other southern states in LGBTQ bans, restrictions

Louisiana lawmakers will send a host of anti-LGBTQ bills to the governor's desk,

Louisiana lawmakers will send a host of anti-LGBTQ bills to the governor's desk, joining other conservative southern Republican states in bans on gender identity discussions and in schools, library restrictions and outlawing gender affirming healthcare for minors.

All of the bills, including one that would require school employees to use the names and pronouns of students on their birth certificates unless they have parental consent, received veto-proof wins in at least one of the chambers.

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has said he believes the bills are generally unnecessary and understands the LGBTQ community's concerns, but he hasn't said whether he will specifically veto any of the bills.

The bills must return to their respective originating chamber - House or Senate - for final passage because they were amended, but no roadblocks are expected.

As has been the case in other states, the national debate over gender identity is among the marquee culture war issues being debated in the Louisiana Legislature.

"God answered many prayers being lifted up by parents today," said Republican Haughton Rep. Dodie Horton after her House Bill 466, known by opponents as "Don't Say Gay," cleared the Senate on a 29-9 vote.

Following are the bills that on the brink of final passage:

∎ Senate Bill 7 by Republican Turkey Creek Sen. Heather Cloud to restrict minors' access to public library materials deemed "sexually explicit." Her measure cleared the House Monday on a 73-28 vote.

∎ Horton's House Bill 466 bill restricts the discussion of gender and sexuality in public school classrooms.

∎ House Bill 81 by Republican Bossier City Rep. Raymond Crews requires school employees to use the names and pronouns of students on their birth certificates unless they have parental consent and even then teachers can opt out if they object for religious reason. It cleared the Senate Monday on a 31-8 vote.

∎ House Bill 648 by Republican Rep. Gabe to ban gender affirming healthcare for minors passed the Senate Monday on a 29-10 vote.

Members of the LGBTQ community have said they feel under attack.

"It's dangerous to be trans in America," said Gabby D., 18, of Metairie, in an interview with USA Today Network. "There is a wave of hate going on."

But supporters of the legislation say the bills are designed to protect children and preserve parental rights.

Cloud said her bill provides common-sense guardrails that many other media platforms provide to parents.

She said the legislation would "empower parents" and enforce their "fundamental right for the upbringing of their children."

"We must encourage Gov. Edwards to sign this layer of protection into law," Horton said of her legislation. "We are praying that he will."

More:Louisiana closing in on gender affirming healthcare ban for transgender children, teens

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1