State of Louisiana Archives: on Civil Rights
Adrian Perkins:
Racism is one of the heaviest issues in our community
The mayor mentioned that he's been profiled and that he gets nervous when he's pulled over by the police. "I'm not going to be fearful about talking about these issues because I know how pervasive it is in our community and how much it hurts our
community," Perkins said. "At this point, racism is one of the heaviest issues in our community." Until the community is comfortable talking about race, Shreveport is going to have incidents such as what happened to Floyd in Minneapolis, Perkins added.
Source: The Shreveport Times on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
John Bel Edwards:
Vetoed requiring only "biological females" in women's sports
SB156: Fairness in Women's Sports Act: Prohibits a team designated for females, girls, or women from being open to students who are not biologically female. Proposed law provides that, nothing will be construed to restrict the eligibility of any student
to participate in any athletic teams or sports designated as "males", "men", or "boys" or designated as "coed" or "mixed".Veto message: "Discrimination is not a Louisiana value, and this bill was a solution in search of a problem that
simply does not exist in Louisiana. Further, it would make life more difficult for transgender children, who are some of the most vulnerable Louisianans when it comes to issues of mental health. And it does present real problems in that it makes it more
likely that NCAA and professional championships would not happen in our state."
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-6-4 on May/5/21; Passed House 78-19-8 on May/27/21; Vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards on Jun/22/21.
Source: The Acadiana Advocate Louisiana voting record SB156
Jun 22, 2021
Lance Harris:
Require only "biological females" in women's sports
SB156: Fairness in Women's Sports Act: Prohibits a team designated for females, girls, or women from being open to students who are not biologically female. Nothing will be construed to restrict the eligibility of any student to participate in any
athletic teams or sports designated as "males", "men", or "boys" or designated as "coed" or "mixed".Veto message: Discrimination is not a Louisiana value, and this bill was a solution in search of a problem that simply does not exist in
Louisiana. Further, it would make life more difficult for transgender children, who are some of the most vulnerable Louisianans when it comes to issues of mental health. And it does present real problems in that it makes it more likely that NCAA and
professional championships would not happen in our state.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-6-4 on 5/5/21; Passed House 78-19-8 on 5/27; State Rep. Harris co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Edwards on 6/22.
Source: The Acadiana Advocate Louisiana voting record SB156
May 27, 2021
Troy Carter:
Oppose requiring only "biological females" in women's sports
SB156: Fairness in Women's Sports Act: Prohibits a team designated for females, girls, or women from being open to students who are not biologically female. Nothing will be construed to restrict the eligibility of any student to participate in any
athletic teams or sports designated as "males", "men", or "boys" or designated as "coed" or "mixed".Veto message: Discrimination is not a Louisiana value, and this bill was a solution in search of a problem that simply does not exist in
Louisiana. Further, it would make life more difficult for transgender children, who are some of the most vulnerable Louisianans when it comes to issues of mental health. And it does present real problems in that it makes it more likely that NCAA and
professional championships would not happen in our state.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-6-4 on May/5/21; State Sen. Troy Carter voted NO; Passed House 78-19-8 on May/27/21; Vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards on Jun/22/21.
Source: The Acadiana Advocate Louisiana voting record SB156
May 5, 2021
John Bel Edwards:
Pandemic highlighted inequities in our communities
The pandemic has highlighted inequities that persist in our communities--especially when it comes to health outcomes. That is why early on I established the Health Equity Task Force. It's why we rolled out the Bring Back Louisiana campaign and are
working to ensure all communities have access to the vaccine. It's why I created the Resilient Louisiana Commission to ensure that small businesses that have been devastated by this pandemic have a seat at the table and a path forward.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature
Apr 12, 2021
Bill Cassidy:
Racism has no place in American life
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?A: Racism has no place in American life. We are all first children of God and then citizens of the United States of America.
We must all come together in common purpose and understanding that our nation is better now than it once was and we must strive for even better, tomorrow.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Supported welcoming environment for LGBTQ West Point cadets
On LGBTQ: "He was the Commandant at West Point during my stint as Class President. He worked closely with student leadership, which is where our relationship began. As Commandant, Lt. Gen Caslen was steadfast in his commitment to equal opportunity
and adamant about his belief that diversity strengthens organizations," wrote Perkins.Perkins' letter continued that Caslen worked to create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ cadets and spearheaded a sexual assault commission with the NCAA.
Source: WLTX News-19 on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Jul 19, 2020
Adrian Perkins:
Business district must demonstrate black lives do matter
The Mayor released [a] statement in response to the Downtown Development Authority's handling of recent incidents involving racism. "The DDA asserted "Black Lives Matter." I am calling upon the Downtown Development Authority to translate those
words into action by taking steps to ensure that DDA employees' safety concerns are addressed and that the culture within DDA is not discriminatory or otherwise hostile. Such actions are required to demonstrate that black lives do, in fact, matter."
Source: KTAL/KMSS Baton Rouge Proud on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Jun 29, 2020
Antoine Pierce:
Protests on race & police: risk lives to save lives
Pierce, who attended a protest in Baton Rouge, said the willingness of attendees to risk their lives to protest speaks volumes to the severity of the issues at hand. "People are stuck
between two choices: they can risk their lives and be quiet, or they can risk their lives to try to save their lives. I think people will always choose the latter," Pierce said.
Source: The Baton Rouge Advocate on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Jun 6, 2020
Antoine Pierce:
End voter suppression policies & Citizens United
Top Policy Priorities: - Protect our democracy
- Ensure fair and safe elections
- End voter suppression policies
- End Citizens United
Source: 2020 Louisiana Senate campaign website AntoinePierce.com
Feb 4, 2020
Antoine Pierce:
Supports ratification of Equal Rights Amendment
Pierce stated that "ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment will guarantee equal legal rights for all citizens regardless of sex. In these defining moments, we put aside those
social constructs that have historically divided us, and unify behind a singular, common goal: To make Louisiana a state where no one is ever discriminated against on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation."
Source: Big Easy Magazine on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Apr 10, 2019
John Bel Edwards:
Vetoed state policy on free expression at colleges
HB269: Proposed law provided for a state policy on free expression on public postsecondary education institution campuses.Analysis by the Baton Rouge Advocate: The legislation ensures the free speech of controversial speakers on state
college campuses and penalizes students who disrupt it. The legislation would direct colleges to spell out policies that would prevent students, outside speakers or others from being shouted down because of unpopular views.
Veto message by
Gov. John Bel Edwards: This bill is a solution in search of a problem that creates a long, detailed structure for the evaluation of the freedom of expression on college campuses. However, this bill is unnecessary and overly burdensome to our
colleges and universities as the freedoms this bill attempts to protect are already well-established.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 66-26-13 on May/24/17; Passed Senate 30-2-6 on Jun/7/17; Vetoed by Governor Edwards on Jun/26/17
Source: The Advocate on Louisiana legislative voting records HB269
Jun 26, 2017
Karen Carter Peterson:
Opposed state policy on free expression at colleges
HB269: Proposed law provided for a state policy on free expression on public postsecondary education institution campuses.Analysis by the Baton Rouge Advocate: The legislation ensures the free speech of controversial speakers on state
college campuses and penalizes students who disrupt it. The legislation would direct colleges to spell out policies that would prevent students, outside speakers or others from being shouted down because of unpopular views.
Veto message by
Gov. Edwards: This bill is a solution in search of a problem that creates a long, detailed structure for the evaluation of the freedom of expression on college campuses. However, this bill is unnecessary and overly burdensome to our colleges and
universities as the freedoms this bill attempts to protect are already well-established.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 66-26-13 on 5/24/17; Passed Senate 30-2-6 on 6/7/17; State Sen. Peterson voted NO; Vetoed by Governor on 6/26/17
Source: The Advocate on Louisiana legislative voting records HB269
Jun 17, 2017
Troy Carter:
Establish state policy on free expression at colleges
HB269: Proposed law provided for a state policy on free expression on public postsecondary education institution campuses.Analysis by the Baton Rouge Advocate: The legislation ensures the free speech of controversial speakers on state
college campuses and penalizes students who disrupt it. The legislation would direct colleges to spell out policies that would prevent students, outside speakers or others from being shouted down because of unpopular views.
Veto message by
Gov. Edwards: This bill is a solution in search of a problem that creates a long, detailed structure for the evaluation of the freedom of expression on college campuses. However, this bill is unnecessary and overly burdensome to our colleges and
universities as the freedoms this bill attempts to protect are already well-established.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 66-26-13 on 5/24/17; Passed Senate 30-2-6 on 6/7/17; State Sen. Carter voted YES; Vetoed by Governor on 6/26/17
Source: The Advocate on Louisiana legislative voting records HB269
Jun 7, 2017
Lance Harris:
Establish state policy on free expression at colleges
HB269: Proposed law provided for a state policy on free expression on public postsecondary education institution campuses.Analysis by the Baton Rouge Advocate: The legislation ensures the free speech of controversial speakers on state
college campuses and penalizes students who disrupt it. The legislation would direct colleges to spell out policies that would prevent students, outside speakers or others from being shouted down because of unpopular views.
Veto message:
This bill is a solution in search of a problem that creates a long, detailed structure for the evaluation of the freedom of expression on college campuses. However, this bill is unnecessary and overly burdensome to our colleges and universities as the
freedoms this bill attempts to protect are already well-established.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 66-26-13 on 5/24/17; State Rep. Harris was primary sponsor and voted YES; Passed Senate 30-2-6 on 6/7; Vetoed by Governor on 6/26.
Source: The Advocate on Louisiana legislative voting records HB269
May 24, 2017
Clay Higgins:
FactCheck: Biblical marriage includes polygamy and chattel
Clay Higgins, the Representative-Elect from Louisiana's 3rd congressional district, says, "I define marriage Biblically, as between one man and one woman." So we looked up some Biblical definitions of marriage:- Polygamy: Abraham and
Jacob, the patriarchs of monotheism, both had multiple wives, and children with each (Gen. 29:15-30).
- Concubines: King David and King Solomon, the Biblical judges, had hundreds of concubines (1 Kings 11:3).
- Female inferiority:
The Bible counsels "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22-24)
- Chattel: The Bible asserts that "man is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man" (1 Corinthians 11:7-9); women were
considered man's property, not man's equals.
We doubt that Rep.-Elect Higgins believes in polygamy, concubinage, female inferiority, or wives as chattel--so perhaps he should more carefully define "Biblical marriage."
Source: OnTheIssues FactCheck on 2016 Louisiana House campaign
Dec 12, 2016
Clay Higgins:
I define marriage Biblically: one man and one woman
I define marriage Biblically, as between one man and one woman. That being said, I do not believe that love can be statutorily defined and I support every Americans right to pursue happiness as they see fit regarding the choice of whom they love. I have
one very good gay friend; he lives in Nevada. If he decides to get married, within the legal parameters of his State, and if he invites me to the wedding, I'll attend if I am able. However, although I support the individuals freedom to marry I also
support a States right to regulate marriage and its definition according to the will of the people of that state. Further, I stand opposed to any state or federal mandate that requires an American citizen to betray their own moral fabric and be forced to
participate in any endeavor or ceremony which is inconsistent with their religious convictions. Non-Traditional marriage is both an individual's rights issue and a States rights issue. I stand firmly rooted in my Constitutionally sound position on both.
Source: 2016 Louisiana House campaign website CaptainHiggins.com
Dec 10, 2016
Foster Campbell:
Oppose same-sex marriage, but respect Supreme Court ruling
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?A: No. My personal convictions inform my belief that religious marriage is between a man and woman. However, I do respect the Supreme Court and its decision on this matter.
I will keep my oath to uphold the constitution and, above all, I will treat all my constituents and all the American people with respect.
Source: VoteSmart 2016 Louisiana Senate Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Thomas Clements:
Support Equal Rights Amendment
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Legally require hiring more women/minorities"?
A: Equal Rights Amendment can support basic principles that are embodied in our society.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
Thomas Clements:
Get government out of marriage business
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?
A: Leave people alone, get government out of marriage business.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Louisiana Senate race by OnTheIssues
Jul 31, 2016
John Bel Edwards:
Supreme Court decided: issue same-sex marriage licenses
The WDSU anchor asked whether Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk of court, acted correctly in refusing to award marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Five of the six candidates said they sided with Davis, who briefly went to prison rather than issue the
licenses. "I don't believe anyone is free to deny those marriage licenses once the Supreme Court has ruled," said Edwards, the lone dissenter. "Anarchy would result." Edwards added that he personally did not support same-sex marriages.
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate on 2015 Louisiana Gubernatorial debate
Oct 1, 2015
Bill Cassidy:
Feds should not get involved in state action on religion
Cassidy says the Religious Freedom Acts are just in place to help people protect their First Amendment right of freedom of religion. And the federal government should not involve themselves in state decisions. Government should not bully.
There needs to be some tolerance for all or there will be some tension there.
Source: WDSU-6 News on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Apr 1, 2015
Bill Cassidy:
Laws preventing religious discrimination are "intimidation"
We know that religious freedom is at stake here. As the Hobby Lobby case demonstrated, religious freedom and our First Amendment rights are being increasingly attacked. We should oppose using the long arm of the stale to intimidate people of faith.
I will continue to oppose laws such as ENDA that can be used as an excuse to use legal intimidation to attempt to limit freedom of faith and freedom of speech. All Americans, no matter what our political persuasion, should oppose such laws.
Source: Family Research Council on 2020 Louisiana Senate race
Nov 7, 2014
Garret Graves:
Marriage is a union of one man and one woman
Q: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman? No government has the authority to alter this definition?
GRAVES: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Ralph Abraham:
Marriage is a union of one man and one woman
Q: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman? No government has the authority to alter this definition?
ABRAHAM: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Louisiana House race
Sep 30, 2014
Jeff Landry:
Keep traditional marriage as one man and one woman
I believe in traditional marriage. I support keeping the definition of marriage as one man and one woman.I believe that the family is and always has been and will continue to be the backbone of American life. As a member of Congress,
I would pursue policies that strengthen the family and oppose those that weaken it.
Source: 2010 House campaign website landryforlouisiana.com, "Issues"
Nov 2, 2010
Charles Melancon:
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act fights women's discrimination
Fireworks erupted when the candidates were asked if the law should guarantee women equal pay for doing the same work as men. While Melancon and Vitter both said they support equal pay, Melancon used the question as a springboard to attack
Vitter for a range of votes that Melancon characterized as anti-woman, including against a bill to give women more time to file suit when they think they've been victims of pay discrimination. "We deserve a senator who respects women and stands up
for women," Melancon said. Vitter called the charge "a complete misrepresentation of my record," and said he voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in
2009 because he thought it was a sop to plaintiff's lawyers. "Quite frankly it's a trial lawyer bonanza," Vitter said.
Source: NOLA.com coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
David Vitter:
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was a trial lawyer bonanza
Fireworks erupted when the candidates were asked if the law should guarantee women equal pay for doing the same work as men. While Melancon and Vitter both said they support equal pay, Melancon used the question as a springboard to attack
Vitter for a range of votes that Melancon characterized as anti-woman, including against a bill to give women more time to file suit when they think they've been victims of pay discrimination. "We deserve a senator who respects women and stands up
for women," Melancon said. Vitter called the charge "a complete misrepresentation of my record," and said he voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in
2009 because he thought it was a sop to plaintiff's lawyers. "Quite frankly it's a trial lawyer bonanza," Vitter said.
Source: NOLA.com coverage of 2010 Louisiana Senate debate
Oct 28, 2010
Jay Dardenne:
OpEd: Mixed record on gender identity issues
The Louisiana Electorate of Gays and Lesbians, Inc. rated Dardenne 50% on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity issues for the 1993-1995 legislative session, indicating a mixed record on GLBT rights. Their self-description: "Louisiana
Electorate of Gays And Lesbians (LEGAL) is a statewide, not-for-profit lesbian and gay human rights organization.
Since 1993 LEGAL has been working for the equal rights of Louisiana's lesbians and gay men, utilizing intelligent planning, uncommon strategies and innovative ideas.
LEGAL organizes throughout the state, advocates civic action, and works with local human rights groups for the civil liberties and safety of all of Louisiana's lesbians and gay men."
Source: VoteSmart ratings for 2015-2016 Louisiana gubernatorial race
Nov 1, 1995
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021