Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoes 'Don't say gay,' gender affirming healthcare ban

Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoed bills Friday that would ban gender identity discussion in schools, outlaw gender affirming healthcare for minors and require teachers to use the names and pronouns of students listed on their birth certificates.

Edwards' rejections set up a potential showdown with the Republican-controlled Legislature if lawmakers choose to come in for a veto override session on July 18.

All three of the anti-LGBTQ bills that Edwards rejected were passed by veto-proof margins of more than two-thirds in both the House and Senate.

In a surprise, Edwards did sign into law Senate Bill 7 by Republican Turkey Creek Sen. Heather Cloud to restrict minors' access to public library materials deemed "sexually explicit," which members of the LGBTQ community testified targeted them.

As has been the case in other states, the national debate over gender identity was among the marquee culture war issues debated in the Louisiana Legislature during its session that ended June 8.

"God answered many prayers being lifted up by parents today," said Republican Haughton Rep. Dodie Horton after her House Bill 466, known by opponents as "Don't Say Gay," after her bill cleared the Legislature.

Following are the bills that Edwards vetoed:

∎ Horton's House Bill 466 bill restricts the discussion of gender and sexuality in public school classrooms.

∎ House Bill 81 by Republican Bossier City Rep. Raymond Crews requires school employees to use the names and pronouns of students on their birth certificates unless they have parental consent, and even then teachers can opt out if they object for religious reasons.

∎ House Bill 648 by Republican Rep. Gabe bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors, which can range from counseling to puberty blockers to hormones to surgery.

Members of the LGBTQ community have said they feel under attack.

"It's dangerous to be trans in America," said Gabby D., 18, of Metairie, in a previous interview with USA Today Network. "There is a wave of hate going on."

But supporters of the legislation say the bills are designed to protect children and preserve parental rights.

Cloud said her bill provides common-sense guardrails that many other media platforms provide to parents.

She said the legislation "empowers parents" and enforces their "fundamental right for the upbringing of their children."

A majority vote in either the House or Senate can cancel the veto session. Ballots go out to lawmakers next week and must be returned by July 13.

More: Louisiana set to join other states in LGBTQ bans, restrictions unless governor vetoes

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana governor vetoes 'Don't say gay,' gender affirming healthcare ban