Bill > HB429

This bill amends Louisiana's employment discrimination laws to add explicit protections for individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill introduces new definitions for these terms, with "gender identity" defined as a gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior that is sincerely held as part of a person's core identity, regardless of their biological sex at birth. "Sexual orientation" is defined as an individual's actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality. The legislation expands existing employment discrimination prohibitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics, making it unlawful for employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations to discriminate in hiring, firing, compensation, job assignments, training, and other employment practices based on these characteristics. The bill also includes a provision protecting the freedom of expression, association, and religious exercise as guaranteed by the U.S. and Louisiana Constitutions, ensuring that the new protections do not infringe on these fundamental rights. Additionally, the bill reaffirms existing protections for natural, protective, or cultural hairstyles, explicitly listing examples such as afros, dreadlocks, braids, and other culturally significant hair styles.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB429&sbi=y