From a July 1 press release of the Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus, via Gender Advocacy Internet News(GAIN).

The New Orleans City Council voted today [July 1], 5-1 in favor of an ordinance that will provide protection from intimidation and discrimination based upon "gender identification." By doing so, New Orleans becomes the first city in the Deep South to enact such legislation, which is expected to receive the signature of Mayor Marc Morial. The new ordinance brings the city in line with revisions to the Bill of Rights of the revised City Charter which was approved by New Orleans voters in November, 1995.

The ordinance amends previously-passed ordinances which

1.	defined and prohibited the crime of intimidation and
2.	defined and prohibited discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

"Gender identification" was added to the list of previously protected classes which included the actual or perceived: race, age, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

Primary authors of the proposed ordinance were Councilmembers Troy Carter and Jim Singleton. During the council's discussion, Councilmembers Eddie Sapir, Ellen Hazuer-Distance and Roy Glapion requested their names be added to the list of authors.

The lone dissenter was Councilmember Oliver Thomas who voiced concern over whether he would have any recourse should his male legislative aide appear at work in high heels and skirt. He was concerned with his and other employers' liability and the potential for law suits should an employee be terminated for cross-dressing.

The ordinance allows employers to enforce dress codes and prohibit cross-dressing in the workplace or while an employee is acting in the course and scope of employment. However, this prohibition is lifted if the employee provides the employer with the written statement of a licensed doctor certifying that the employee "presents the characteristics of gender identification disorder" and that the employee "intends prospectively to attire and conduct him/herself for the foreseeable future" in the workplace "in the manner for persons of the gender with which he or she identifies."

Earl Jackson, Director of the New Orleans Human Relations Commission presented the ordinance to the City Council after months of preparation. The Commission sought counsel and advise in drafting the ordinance from representatives of LAGPAC (Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus), the Gulf Gender Alliance and the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues.

Christopher Daigle, Chairman of LAGPAC, stated, "In 1995, we were thrilled with our success in lobbying for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identification in revisions to the City's Charter. Less than three years later, we find ourselves providing advice and counsel to a city commission eager to introduce a more inclusive Human Rights Ordinance. It has given me great satisfaction to have worked with members of the Commission and City Council on this progressive piece of legislation."

He continued by saying, "It is important for people to understand that this ordinance extends protection to many heterosexuals whose mannerisms and behavior don't comply with rigid socially-prescribed gender roles. This law protects all men who don't live up to a 6'4" John Wayne prototype of masculinity and women whose feminine qualities and attributes don't compare to Helen of Troy. This allows ALL of us to live without fear and to be responsible and productive members of society, regardless of who we are, or who we are perceived to be."

Nancy Sharp, a prominent member of the local transgender community who serves on LAGPAC's Board of Directors and is Vice-Chair of the Mayor's Advisory Committee had this to say: "personally, the passage of this ordinance is a very emotional event for me. I am elated the New Orleans City Council passed the ordinance to protect citizens based upon their gender identity, expression and behavior. It is particularly important to note that this ordinance also has protections for gender-variant heterosexuals, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals." She continued, "I am truly grateful that the new Orleans gay and lesbian community extended their hearts and hands to the local transgender community to accomplish the goal of amending the intimidation and human rights ordinances."

Back to IFGE Home