BATON ROUGE, LA — A Louisiana bill advancing in the state legislature would protect employees from discipline for referring to others using incorrect gender pronouns, sparking debate over workplace rights and harassment.
House Bill 1137, introduced by Raymond Crews, passed a House committee along party lines. The proposal would prevent private employers from punishing workers who misgender colleagues, customers, or others, regardless of whether they are transgender or cisgender.
Supporters argue the measure protects free speech and religious expression. Crews said the bill ensures employees are not forced to adopt language that conflicts with their beliefs and could promote open communication in workplaces.
Opponents, including advocacy groups, warn the legislation could limit employers’ ability to address harassment and maintain respectful environments. Critics argue it may conflict with federal workplace standards regarding hostile work environments.
Brian Glorioso raised concerns about potential legal conflicts, noting employers could face challenges balancing state protections with federal law.
The bill now moves to the full Louisiana House for consideration as debate continues over its potential impact on workplace policies.
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