Louisiana Bill Aims to Protect Pronoun Use in the Workplace

A bill advancing in the Louisiana Legislature would prohibit private employers from punishing employees who refer to individuals by pronouns that do not align with their gender identity.

House Bill 1137, authored by Rep. Raymond Crews, R-Bossier City, passed out of the House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations on a 6-4 vote Thursday along party lines.

The measure would protect employees from discipline or dismissal for using pronouns inconsistent with a person’s gender identity, whether the individual is transgender or cisgender.

Louisiana is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees without cause. Supporters say the bill would create protections related to free speech and religious beliefs in the workplace.

Crews said the legislation is intended to protect employees’ rights and promote workplace harmony.

“It tells every worker, whether in an office, factory, hospital or classroom, that they will not be punished for refusing to participate in someone else’s delusion,” Crews said. “The result will be more honest communication, less frivolous litigation and a stronger economy built on merit rather than mandated affirmation.”

Opponents argued the bill could limit an employer’s ability to address harassment in the workplace.

“Respecting one another is one of our biggest values … this is a Louisiana value,” said Peyton Rose Michelle, executive director of Louisiana Trans Advocates. “We’re kind, we’re loving. I don’t know how this bill fits into that at all. This bill is not aligned with Louisiana values.”

Rep. Brian Glorioso, R-Slidell, who was not present for the committee vote, also raised concerns about potential conflicts between state and federal law regarding workplace standards.

“As an employer, I could be following state law by not disciplining that employee but also violating federal law by allowing a hostile work environment to be created,” Glorioso said.

The bill will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.