The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.
“Apparently, there was a member on a library board that wouldn’t call another member of the library board by their preferred pronoun, and they were removed from the library board. Is that proper?” Crews asked.
Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns. The measure is heading to the House floor after a 6-4 vote along party lines in House Labor.
Shreveport Democratic Representative Tammy Phelps reminded the committee that as long as a business does not fire a worker based on race, sex, age, religion, natural origin or disability, it does not have to give a reason for the dismissal.
“He can fire me for anything. He’s not going to really tell me why. I mean, some employers are not even honest about why they’re firing you,” Phelps said.
Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.
“They’re fired for being trans, but this only addresses people who have an intent and desire to misgender them and be disrespectful,” Michelle said.
Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder voted for the legislation. Wilder says he will always use the birth-assigned pronouns based on his religious beliefs, and he shouldn’t lose his job over that.
“I turn around, and I address you with your perceived incorrect pronoun; but when my religion tells me is it’s the way it is, and you again want to weaponize it against me, right now there’s nothing to protect that,” Wilder said.