L.R. 5:30 (17) 8:30 (20)
Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban failed in the House Criminal Justice Committee this morning. Katie Hunter Lowery with Louisiana Survivors for Reform testified about her own rape that she’s still processing. If she had become pregnant as a result, she said at least then she had the choice.
Cut 11 (14) “…through violence.”
Lafayette OB/GYN Dr. Damon (cut-ah-hee) Cudihy spoke in opposition to the bill. He said it’s the rapist who should be subjected to the death penalty, not the unborn child, and that abortion doesn’t remove the trauma of rape.
The state’s abortion bill remains unchanged.
A bill to prohibit the instruction or discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools passed in the House after an hour-long debate. Critics refer to the legislation as the “Don’t Say, Gay Bill.” Former teacher and New Orleans Representative Candace Newell spoke in opposition to the bill. She says merely prohibiting the discussion tells trans and gay students they don’t matter.
Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo supported the bill and says teachers should only be teaching the basics, reading, writing, and arithmetic.
The bill passed in the House 67 to 28 and advances to the upper chamber.