John Bel Edwards on Civil Rights

Vetoed requiring only "biological females" in women's sports

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.

Pandemic highlighted inequities in our communities

Vetoed state policy on free expression at colleges

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

Supreme Court decided: issue same-sex marriage licenses

Support affirmative action in government hiring and college

Edwards indicated support for the following principles regarding affirmative action.
• The federal government should consider race and gender in government contracting decisions.
• The federal government should continue affirmative action programs.
• Support affirmative action in public college admissions.
• Edwards adds, "Federal government should also seek contractors of great quality and should always meet the federal standards and requirements."