John Bel Edwards Opposes Bills With Transgender Restrictions

By Julie O'Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator

April 19, 2021

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards opposes four bills introduced by lawmakers that would impose restrictions on transgender people. The governor said he would hope the lawmakers will pull the legislation from consideration, and indicated he would likely veto the proposals if they made it to his desk.

Edwards called the bills “discriminatory” and said he was concerned about the impact they would have on “emotionally fragile people.”

Two pieces of the legislation would prohibit transgender girls and women from competing in sports competitions aligned with their gender identity. The two other bills would make it more difficult — or outright ban — health care for transgender children and teenagers. Those proposals would impact transgender minors ability to access counseling, surgery and medication that affirmed their gender identity.

The governor said Louisiana didn’t have a problem with transgender women and children competing in sports competitions. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association make it nearly impossible for transgender students — men and women — to join any sports team already through an existing policy.

Edwards also said he is concerned that the bills would have an economic impact on the state. New Orleans tourism leaders have said that conferences and major sporting events might relocate from Louisiana if the state adopted transgender restrictions. The NCAA has already indicated they would not look favorably on such laws. Louisiana is scheduled to hold the NCAA’s Final Four basketball tournament next year.

Two of the four lawmakers sponsoring the transgender restrictions have already said they intend to move the bills forward, even if sports leagues and corporate interests threaten to boycott Louisiana.

Please check back later. This story will be updated.

The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.