Louisiana Legislative Countdown 4.15.24

Last week was a stormy one in more than just the weather. The legislature continues to pursue brazen attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, librarians, and good government practices. 

We know some lawmakers are counting on us to burn out, tap out, and leave them to their own devices. But we will continue to fight, no matter what. The motto of the moment is “get in where you fit in,” so find your lane to push against the harmful status quo. 

Don’t forget to share this form with friends, families, and colleagues who need these updates in their own inboxes.

It was a long, hateful, anti-LGBTQ+ week at the Capitol. Two separate measures for marriage protection from Rep. Mandie Landry failed to make it out of committee. Despite severe weather that prevented advocates from participating in the democratic process, the House Education Committee met specifically to pass harmful anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, “Don’t Say Gay” and “Dead Name” bills, resurrected from last year. Then,  the House approved restrictions on what bathrooms transgender Louisianans can use in public facilities.

The House also approved legislation to require the Ten Commandments be posted in all Louisiana classrooms, including at private schools and universities. Ironically, the House rejected a measure to include the “Golden Rule.” This body certainly does not value the principle of treating others how you want to be treated. Anyway, schools are for education, right?

The governor announced who he would appoint to serve at the proposed constitutional convention, should his plans be approved by the legislature. Our greatest concern is the speed at which he is moving and the fact that constituents will NOT have the opportunity to vote on delegates to represent them at the convention. The last constitutional convention unfolded over three years, a stark contrast to the governor’s proposed 6-month timeline. However, Senate leadership is expressing hesitations.

Four important bills from the New Orleans Maternal and Child Health Coalition were postponed due to last week’s weather events. We anticipate they will be back in Senate Health and Welfare soon. Please contact your legislators to urge them to support!

This is well-timed with Black Maternal Health Week, which continues through April 17. Please join us at the Capitol this Wednesday for a BMH-themed Women on Wednesday. 

Our legislative champion Rep. Delisha Boyd made national news sharing her highly personal story and motivation behind filing legislation to provide rape and incest exception in Louisiana’s near-total abortion ban. If you have not heard Rep. Boyd’s powerful story, see her tell it for herself as a part of PPGC’s Our Bodies, Our Choice storytelling project.

Contact your legislator to demand their support for survivors with Rep. Boyd’s bill, HB 164, which is the BARE minimum lawmakers can do to protect their most vulnerable constituents.