Louisiana’s legislative chambers recently joined the fray on transgender restroom policies by passing HB 608, which now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry. Dubbed the “Women’s Safety and Protection Act,” the bill aims to define “sex,” “male,” and “female” in state law, while ensuring safeguards for women in facilities such as restrooms, prisons, and dormitories, particularly against potential threats from biological males.

The bill highlights the enduring physical distinctions between men and women and cites legal precedents like U.S. v. Virginia to support its stance. It also invokes the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

While Governor Landry’s office declined to comment, Landry had previously opposed the Obama administration’s interpretation of Title IX regarding school restroom policies.

Critics view the bill as one of the most stringent in the nation, fearing it could heighten vulnerabilities for the transgender community. Concurrently, Louisiana’s education chief directed schools to disregard changes in federal Title IX protections regarding gender identity.

Landry and Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley jointly sued the Biden administration over this issue.

In a colorful analogy, Landry expressed his perspective during a press conference, highlighting the incongruity of identifying as a legendary NBA player for eligibility on a college basketball team.

The bill’s journey began with its passage in the State House and signifies a significant policy shift under Governor Landry, who succeeded the previous governor, John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who vetoed similar bills in 2023. Edwards vetoed measures including restrictions on pronouns, transgender surgeries, and legislation akin to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Bel Edwards, the lone Democratic governor in the conservative Deep South, characterized these bills as detrimental to vulnerable children in the state.