LGBTQ+ Rights
PACE advocates for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, striving for a world where everyone can live openly, free from discrimination, with equal rights, personal autonomy, and the freedom to express themselves.
2026 Louisiana Legislative Update
Dear PACE Community,
The 2026 Louisiana legislative session begins Monday, March 9, and several bills have already been prefiled that could impact LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. Staying informed is crucial.
Key prefiled bills to watch:
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HB 293 — Employment discrimination protections: Prohibits discrimination in employment based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Read the full bill here
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SB 226 — Insurance protections: Prevents insurance rate decisions based on gender classification. Read the full bill here
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HB 485 — Parental rights constitutional amendment: Could influence debates over gender-affirming care and school policies. Read the full bill here
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SB 306 — Religious freedom/obstruction law: Raises questions about how religious rights and public spaces are defined. Read the full bill here
Recent separation-of-church-and-state development:
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HB 71 — Ten Commandments in Schools: Requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments. This law was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge, but the U.S. Court of Appeals reinstated enforcement in early 2026, raising serious civil liberties concerns.
Even bills that don’t explicitly target LGBTQ+ communities can still disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Staying informed and vocal is essential as session approaches — track bills, follow session updates, and contact your legislators to defend rights and equality.
Kat Correro (she/they)
Communication/Political Chair
What you need to know
Since 2022, Louisiana has passed several laws that impact transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals:
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Transgender Athlete Ban: In June 2022, Louisiana passed a law that bans transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports at public schools and universities.
Take Action!
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"Don't Say Gay" Law: In 2023, Louisiana introduced legislation restricting discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 classrooms, mirroring similar laws in other states.
Take Action!
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Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: In 2023, Louisiana passed legislation prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors under 18. Adults remain eligible for gender-affirming treatments.
Take Action!
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Gender Regulation and Bathroom Law: In 2024, Louisiana passed legislation restricting access to restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in public and charter schools, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities based on an individual's sex assigned at birth. While single-occupancy, non-gendered facilities are allowed, the law permits individuals to file civil lawsuits for "harm" caused by violations. This law conflicts with federal Title IX regulations, which protect access to facilities aligned with gender identity.
Take Action!
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Pronoun and Name Regulation Law: In 2024, Louisiana passed legislation prohibiting public and charter school employees from using names or pronouns for students that differ from their birth certificates, regardless of parental consent or legal name changes. Schools are also banned from adopting policies recognizing a student’s chosen identity.
Take Action!
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U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s Restroom Policy: In 2024, U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA), now Speaker of the House, enacted a policy banning transgender women and girls from using restrooms aligned with their gender identity in U.S. House-controlled facilities. This harmful policy perpetuates false claims about transgender individuals, intensifies stigma, and endangers their mental health and safety. Transgender people deserve dignity and equality. This policy undermines their rights and deepens disparities in public life.
Take Action!
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Federal ICE Oversight: January 2026
Aggressive federal immigration enforcement, including militarized raids, harms Louisiana communities, threatens public safety, and endangers civilians. PACE Louisiana calls on our federal representatives to ensure ICE and DHS comply with court orders, provide transparent oversight, and hold officials accountable for actions that put lives at risk.
Take Action!
