An annotated bibliography of newspaper articles regarding anti-LGBT+ legislation in
Louisiana (both proposed and passed) since 2020

By: Pepper Margulis

“Louisiana governor says he intends to veto anti-LGBTQ+ bills including ban on gender-affirming care” Associated Press, June 8, 2023.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced his intention to veto a series of bills passed by the
Republican-led legislature targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and a “Don’t Say Gay” bill. He emphasized the potential harm these bills could inflict on vulnerable children.

“Louisiana governor vetoes anti-LGBTQ+ legislation including a gender-affirming care ban” Associated Press, June 30, 2023.

Governor Edwards officially vetoed multiple anti-LGBTQ+ bills, notably those banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors and restricting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. The vetoes set the stage for potential legislative override sessions.

“Louisiana lawmakers quietly advance two controversial bills as severe weather hits the state” Associated Press, April 10, 2024.

Amid severe weather, a legislative committee advanced bills that would bar transgender individuals from using facilities aligning with their gender identity in public schools, jails, and shelters. The session proceeded despite statewide closures due to the storms.

“Louisiana ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill for public school classrooms advances in Senate committee” Associated Press, June 8, 2023.

A Senate committee approved a bill prohibiting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms, mirroring Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. The bill faced criticism for potentially marginalizing LGBTQ+ students.

“Restrictions on transgender students’ pronouns, names clear Louisiana Senate” Yahoo News, June 7, 2023.

The Senate passed a bill restricting the use of transgender and nonbinary students’ chosen names and pronouns in K-12 schools without parental consent, allowing teachers to refuse usage based on religious objections. The bill awaited further approval steps.

“Louisiana lawmakers approve anti-LGBTQ+ bills that include ban on trans care for minors” PBS NewsHour, June 6, 2023.

The legislature passed a package of bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and restrictions on discussions of sexual orientation in schools. The measures awaited the governor’s decision.

“BREAKING: Louisiana Legislature Passes Bills Targeting LGBTQ+ Youth” Human Rights Campaign, June 5, 2023.

The legislature advanced three bills: a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” bill, and a pronoun restriction bill, all awaiting the governor’s signature or veto. Advocacy groups condemned the measures as discriminatory.

“Louisiana sues to block new Title IX rules, leaving LGBTQ students in limbo” WWNO, May 9, 2024.

Louisiana joined other states in suing the Biden administration to block Title IX changes that extend protections to LGBTQ students, creating uncertainty about the enforcement of these protections in schools.

“Transgender Louisianans lost their ally in the governor’s seat. Now they’re girding for a fight” Associated Press, April 23, 2024.

With the election of Republican Governor Jeff Landry, transgender residents anticipate challenges as previously vetoed anti-transgender legislation may now become law. Advocates are preparing to oppose these measures.

“Did the Supreme Court just overrule one of its most important LGBTQ rights decisions?” Vox, September 15, 2024.

The Supreme Court issued a ruling in Department of Education v. Louisiana that appears to undermine its 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which had extended Title VII protections to LGBTQ individuals. The recent decision halts Biden administration regulations aimed at preventing LGBTQ discrimination in schools.

“Louisiana’s GOP-dominated Legislature concludes three-month-long regular session” Associated Press, June 8, 2024.

The legislature concluded its session, passing several conservative measures, including anti-LGBTQ+ bills, under the new Republican governor, Jeff Landry. The session marked a significant shift in the state’s legislative priorities.

“Every Single Public School Classroom in Louisiana Must Now Display the Ten Commandments” Them, July 15, 2024.

Governor Jeff Landry signed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, raising concerns about the separation of church and state and potential implications for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools.

“US judge blocks Biden protections for LGBT students in four states” Reuters, June 13, 2024.

A federal judge in Louisiana issued an injunction against a Department of Education rule extending Title IX protections to LGBTQ students, affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, and Idaho. The ruling halts the enforcement of these protections in the specified states

“Louisiana Becomes Latest State to Ban Transgender Athletes in Schools” HuffPost, June 8, 2022.

Louisiana enacted a law prohibiting transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports at public schools, following similar measures in other states. The bill had substantial legislative support, leading Governor John Bel Edwards to allow it to become law without his signature, despite expressing concerns about its necessity and potential harm.

“Louisiana Republicans Fail To Override Veto On Anti-Trans Athlete Bill” HuffPost, July 21, 2021.

An attempt by Louisiana Republicans to override Governor Edwards’ veto of a bill banning transgender students from sports failed, as legislators did not secure enough support to overturn the decision.

“Louisiana Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills, Including Ban On Trans Health Care For Minors” HuffPost, June 7, 2023.

The Louisiana Legislature passed several bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, notably banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting discussions of sexual orientation in schools. The measures awaited the governor’s decision.

“How US Public Schools Became a New Religious Battleground” Reuters, August 7, 2024.

The article discusses the increasing efforts in several U.S. states, including Louisiana, to promote religious teachings in public schools, challenging the constitutional separation of church and state and raising concerns about the impact on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

“Louisiana’s Transgender ‘Bathroom Bill’ Clears First Hurdle” Associated Press, April 8, 2024.

A legislative committee advanced a bill prohibiting transgender individuals from using bathrooms, locker rooms, and dormitories aligning with their gender identity in public schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters. Proponents argue it protects cisgender women from potential threats, while opponents contend it endangers transgender individuals and perpetuates discrimination.