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Louisiana GOP Lawmakers Aim to Override Edwards’ Vetoes in 2021 Legislative Session

Published June 28, 2021

In June 2021 Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed several bills in the 2021 legislative session. Louisiana lawmakers are now wanting to override at least two of the vetoes, Senate Bill 156 and Senate Bill 118.

SB 156 known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, sought to prevent transgender girls and women from participating on athletic teams or in sporting events designated for girls or women at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. The bill was authored by Senator Beth Mizell during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. In a press release after the veto, Governor Edwards said “As I have said repeatedly when asked about this bill, discrimination is not a Louisiana value, and this bill was a solution in search of a problem that simply does not exist in Louisiana. Even the author of the bill acknowledged throughout the legislative session that there wasn’t a single case where this was an issue.”

Senate Bill 118 was relative to the concealed carrying of firearms and meant to create an additional exception for any person who does not possess a concealed handgun permit but otherwise meets the same eligibility requirements as those who do possess a concealed handgun permit. Edwards issued the following statement on Senate Bill 118, “I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and an enthusiastic outdoorsman and hunter. But I simply cannot support carrying a concealed carry firearm without proper education and safety training – and I believe the majority of Louisianans agree with me. Our current system strikes the right balance of ensuring that people can bear arms while also keeping reasonable permitting and training processes in place.”

Republican Louisiana lawmakers are now wanting to override the two vetoes by Governor Edwards.

On June 23, 2021, the Republican Party of Louisiana issued a press release about Senate Bill 156 titled “Let The Override Session Begin!”

The press release from the LAGOP said “Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed Senator Beth Mizell’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” which would have protected thousands of female athletes in Louisiana from being forced to compete against biological males in athletic events. This action perfectly illustrates this Democrat governor’s lack of common sense regarding the difference between male and female anatomy. It also shows his tone-deaf disregard for our daughters, who could be seriously injured or face the loss of academic aid and recognition of their achievements. This is not a difficult idea to understand: Biological men should participate in male sports, and biological women should participate in female sports.”

Later, on June 28, 2021, in a unanimous vote, the Louisiana Conservative Caucus fully endorse overriding the Louisiana Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 118.

In a release on their Facebook page, the Louisiana Republican Caucus said “Every Republican campaigns on being pro-2nd Amendment. Now is the time to prove whether that is empty campaign rhetoric or a true belief. It is a true belief for the Conservative Caucus, who fully supports overriding the Governor’s veto of Constitutional Carry (SB118).” The release went on to say “Protecting one’s self and family is not a racial, class, or party issue. It transcends barriers as evidenced by Republicans and Democrats campaigning as being pro-gun and pro-2nd Amendment. Even Governor John Bel Edwards campaigned positively on the issue. That is why in Louisiana, citizens have the right to open carry their firearms without any permits or training requirements.”

More information about Louisiana Senate Bill 156.

More information about Louisiana Senate Bill 118.