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CROWN Act Clears Louisiana Senate But Faces Uphill Battle in House

 

Last Thursday, the Louisiana Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 61, the state’s CROWN Act (“Act”) with a 36 - 0 vote in favor of the legislation.  The legislation would make it illegal for employers in the state to discriminate against a worker on the basis of their hair texture or protective hairstyles such as braids and twists.  In doing so, Louisiana’s anti discrimination law, which currently bars employers from engaging in discriminatory employment practices on the basis of a worker’s race, religion, sex, or national origin would be amended to include discrimination on the basis of natural hairstyles.

While the Act sailed through the Senate, it is expected to face hurdles in the House.  A House Committee that considered the Act voted to advance it by a 7 - 4 vote.  Opponents of the legislation argued that if passed, the Act would lead to confusion among employers and expose them to endless litigation.  While three republicans on the Committee voted to advance the Act to the full House, it is expected that Republicans in the House will seek to stall the Act and prevent its passage.  With Republicans having majority control of the Louisiana House, it appears they could stymie the Act if they chose to...however, if a few Republicans supported the Act’s passage, Louisiana might become the next state to approve bans on employment discrimination in regard to a worker’s natural hairstyle.


For additional information:  https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/louisiana/articles/2021-05-06/la-lawmakers-split-on-hair-discrimination-bill-advance-it

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