Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills, triggering speculation as to whether state lawmakers will or will not seek to override his vetoes. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat thinks lawmakers will seek to come back to Baton Rouge to reverse the vetoes, and the pressure will be on the Governor, “to pick off a couple Republicans here and there so that they can’t reach two-thirds majority.”
Pinsonat said the bills vetoed were about limiting the use of “preferred pronouns”, banning discussion of sexual topics with students, and banning certain transgender medical procedures for minors. He calls them hot-button social issues for conservatives who want to be re-elected. He reminds us the bills passed with two-thirds majority votes in both chambers.
“We can expect a special session on a highly contentious issue, and this would be a pretty good shot of overriding a veto.”
A veto override session is automatic unless enough House & Senate members vote – in writing – not to return to Baton Rouge. Pinsonat believes majorities of Republican lawmakers will choose to come back to the Capitol.
“This veto could well affect their re-election, so they need to be very careful with this. The chances are we will have a session, and the Governor will be on the defense not the Republicans.”
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