While state offices and schools were closed across Louisiana because of severe storms, a GOP-controlled legislative committee gathered in the Capitol to debate controversial bills that opponents say target the LGBTQ+ community. With few members of the public in the audience the House Committee on Education advanced two bills.
FILE - The Louisiana Capitol stands, April 4, 2023, in Baton Rouge, La. A bill that that would effectively bar transgender people in Louisiana from using restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters that correspond with their gender identity, in public schools, jails and domestic violence shelters, advanced out of a state legislative committee Monday, April 8, 2024. Storm clouds roll across New Orleans as water rises in the Treme neighborhood on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
“Our concern is that democracy dies in darkness if advocates are not here to express their heartfelt concerns and their personal stories of their children to help educate you on what’s going on with real children and real families in Louisiana,” said Melissa Flournoy, a former Democratic state representative who heads 10,000 Women Louisiana, an advocacy group.
During hearings on the bills last year, committee rooms would be filled with dozens of opponents and proponents waiting to testify — with the meetings often lasting hours. In addition, the Republican told the handful of members in the audience and those watching the meeting online, that there would be other chances for people to testify in the process, including in a Senate committee if the bills are approved by the lower chamber.
Louisiana LGBTQ People General News LA State Wire N John Bel Edwards Politics P U.S. News Jeff Landry U.S. Republican Party U.S. News
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