More anti-LGBTQIA moves in the “land of the free”.
In Louisiana, right-wing Republican politicians passed a bill restricting what public bathrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters will be allowed to be used by transgender people. It now goes to the right-wing Republican governor’s desk for signature.
House Bill 608 – filed by Rep. Roger Wilder, Republican-Denham Springs – passed the Senate on a 29-10. Dubbed as the “Women’s Safety and Protection Act”, it eyes to segregate all bathrooms, changing and locker rooms, and sleeping quarters by sex assigned at birth in public schools, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities. Transgender people will – if/when the law is passed – be prohibited from using facilities that align with their gender identity.
The bill similarly defines the terms “man,” “woman,” “girl,” “boy,” “male” and “female.” These definitions focus on what is assigned at birth, and does not include gender identity, which the bill does not define.
People said to experience, or is expected to experience, direct or indirect harm as a violation of the bill are allowed to sue. This includes those who is retaliated against for pointing out a violation.
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry has supported other anti-LGBTQIA measures in the past, including restricting the discussion of gender and sexuality in K-12 schools.
