A state representative in Louisiana is speaking out over new legislation signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry (R) granting employees in the state a right to deadname trans colleagues.
The legislation describes the disrespect as “constitutionally protected speech.”
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Act 579 prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees based on that claim. The law states that employees may not be disciplined for refusing to use accurate pronouns or for addressing another employee by their legal name (or name given at birth).
Proponents of the law, which addresses “intentional discrimination based on compelled speech,” say it protects employees’ First Amendment rights.
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“The Supreme Court of the United States has held that the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects not only the right to speak freely but also the right to refrain from speaking,” the law declares. “Employment practices that compel speech on matters of political, ideological, or religious significance threaten individual liberties and freedom of conscience.”
State Rep. Joy Walters (D), who represents Shreveport in the northern part of the state, said that she’s heard from constituents concerned about how the law could affect workplace environments.
“They are scared,” Walters told KTAL 6 News. “They are wondering, ‘Man, do I need to find a new employer?’”
Central to the law’s reasoning is a “religious freedom” argument.
“The First Amendment prohibits the government from compelling speech by requiring an individual to communicate messages contrary to sincerely held religious beliefs,” the law states.
Walters, a practicing Baptist with a master’s in divinity from Princeton University and a masters in theology from Emory University, found the use of religious arguments in support of the legislation particularly troubling.
“Not everyone is a Christian,” she said. “But also, not every Christian has the same set of beliefs within the religion itself.”
Walters said members of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed dismay about the timing of the legislation and lawmakers’ broader message.
“They’re scared that this is all seemingly happening during Pride Month, something that they have activities to support the awareness of, and whatnot.”
“And to experience this level of hatred and whatnot, again — it is scary to be one-dimensional and not accepting of other people.”
Walters and other Democrats and opponents of the new law, which goes into effect on August 1, say it virtually assures LGBTQ+ employees will feel less welcome or supported in workplace settings.
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