As conservative legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community sweeps the nation, Louisiana lawmakers have advanced their own version of a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would prohibit K-12 public school staff from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. The legislation has passed the House and is now heading to the GOP-dominated Senate. Louisiana’s bill is similar to those enacted in Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
Impact on Young LGBTQ+ Students
Critics of the bill argue that it is a targeted attack on the LGBTQ+ community and could have harmful impacts on young LGBTQ+ people. Opponents say the legislation could increase depression and anxiety among vulnerable students by removing a “safe space” for them in school. Additionally, teachers may be penalized for mentioning anything related to homosexuality.
The Role of Parents and Teachers
Proponents of the bill claim that it will “protect children” and allow parents to decide how and when to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity with their children. However, detractors believe the legislation would have a negative effect on students and teachers, calling it a “mean-spirited” attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Dave Cash, the United Teachers of New Orleans union president, stated that the bills would have a “deeply chilling effect on schools, students, and educators alike.”
Pronoun Legislation Among National Trend
Louisiana’s pronoun legislation is part of a wave of similar bills being considered across the nation, which would formally allow or require schools to deadname transgender students or potentially out them to their parents without consent. The state House has already passed a similar bill that would require parental permission for a student to be called by a name or use pronouns different from their sex assigned at birth. However, a teacher can reject the parent’s choice if it conflicts with the educator’s religious or moral convictions.