The veto session’s failure to override legislation to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports is a victory for the transgender community. President of Louisiana Trans Advocates Dylan Waguespack said when the final vote failed to reach a two-thirds majority in the House he was both excited and relieved.
“I’m thrilled, not surprised at all. I think we expected going into this veto override session that it would be difficult for them to come up with the votes that they needed,” said Waguespack.
In Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto statement, he said Senate Bill 156 unfairly targets children who are going through unique challenges and offers solutions to an issue that does not exist in Louisiana.
Waguespack said they expect bill author Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell to present the bill again in the next session.
“So far, every time there has been an attempt to create new laws that are discriminatory against transgender people, they’ve failed, and this is the only one that has gotten close. So, I expect to continue talking about this for a while,” said Waguespack.
In the 2021 regular session, legislation to prevent trans youth from receiving gender confirmation counseling or medical treatment without parental approval was pulled by bill author Houma Senator Mike Fesi. Governor Edwards called the bill discriminatory.
Waguespack said the transgender sports bill, which is being pushed in other conservative states, however, was the one that came close to becoming law in Louisiana.
“Very pleased with the result and really grateful to the Governor and the Legislative Black Caucus and Democratic Caucus for working this issue so hard,” said Waguespack.
The Senate vetoed the bill with a two-thirds majority vote, but the House missed a two-thirds majority by two votes.
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