Democrats objected to the bill, arguing that it would worsen mental health issues among LGBTQ+ youth.
H.B. 122, which prohibits discussions of gender and sexuality in public schools, has been approved by the Louisiana Legislature. The bill is set to be signed into law by Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
H.B. 122 prohibits discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation across all grade levels in public schools. It restricts such discussions in grades K-12 as well as in extracurricular and athletic settings, with approved curriculum topics being the only exception to the law.
State Rep. Dodie Horton (R) introduced the bill, which passed the state senate with a vote of 28-7 yesterday. It had previously been approved by the state house in April with a vote of 69-28.
As per the Louisiana Illuminator, Horton acknowledged in committee that her bill would also prohibit discussions on heterosexuality and cisgender identity. She further argued against teachers engaging in conversations about “lifestyle choices” with their students.
“When my bill was presented in committee, I emphasized that engaging in sexualized personal discussions between educators and students in our classrooms is not appropriate. Such discussions can deprive our children of their innocence and exert undue influence over their impressionable young minds,” Horton stated.
State Sen. Beth Mizell (R) sponsored the bill in the state senate. When questioned about the potential negative impact on students, she asserted that it was not the bill’s intended consequence. Mizell then argued that parents might not trust LGBTQ+ school staff unless they’re prohibited from discussing their personal lives.
“It’s important to provide a safe environment where parents can have confidence,” stated Mizell. “For example, if there’s an LGBTQ employee, parents might feel reassured knowing that person can’t discuss their sexual orientation with their child. Similarly, just as I wouldn’t want a promiscuous male or female teacher discussing their sexual partners with my child, parents should have that assurance.”
State Senator Royce Duplessis (D) criticized the bill, stating that it “oppresses and stigmatizes young people who are struggling.”
“I don’t see a necessity for this bill,” remarked Duplessis.
The bill faced opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates.
“Being LGBTQ+ or discussing LGBTQ+ issues and individuals is entirely appropriate. Moreover, withholding access to crucial medical care for transgender and non-binary youth poses serious risks to their lives,” stated Cathryn Oakley of HRC in a statement last year regarding the introduction of a similar bill in the legislature.
The provision in the bill that prohibits discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity” during extracurricular activities could potentially lead to the dissolution of LGBTQ+ student organizations, like GSAs, in Louisiana public schools.
The state senate is set to deliberate on H.B. 121 next week, proposed by state Rep. Raymond Crews (R). This legislation aims to prohibit transgender and nonbinary youth in public K-12 schools from using names and pronouns that differ from those assigned at birth unless parental consent is obtained.
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