BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — A series of Louisiana laws went into effect on Thursday, including one that would allow judges to impose surgical castration as a punishment for offenders who commit certain sex crimes against children.
Between new Republican Governor Jeff Landry and a GOP supermajority in the Louisiana Legislature, measures that reflect national conservative priorities had a clear path to law this year. From anti-LGBTQ+ bills, tougher crime measures and additional regulations on absentee ballots, here’s a closer look at some of the legislation that officially became law on Thursday.
Like a handful of other states, including California, Florida and Texas, Louisiana has had a law for more than 15 years allowing judges to impose chemical castration as a punishment for rapists who prey on children.
However, Louisiana is now the first state which allows judges to sentence someone to surgical castration after the person has been convicted of certain serious sexual crimes — including rape, incest and sexual assault — against a child under the age of 13. The punishment is not automatic and would be at the judge’s discretion.
Chemical castration uses drugs that block testosterone production to reduce sex drive. Surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure that removes both the testicles and ovaries. It is used in other countries known for harsher criminal penalties, including the Czech Republic and Nigeria.
Supporters of the Louisiana law, including Democratic Senator Regina Barrow, who authored it, hope the new potential punishment will deter people from committing such heinous crimes against children. Opponents argue it is cruel and unusual punishment.
Louisiana has 2,224 people in prison for such crimes. But the law can only be applied to those convicted on or after Aug. 1.
In Louisiana, a state where voting by mail has become increasingly popular in recent years, new restrictions apply to mail-in ballots, including limits on the number of times a person can help fill them out, sign as a witness, and drop them off at the post office.
In addition, the new law makes it easier for officials to destroy ballots that contain missing information.
Supporters of the legislation, including the state’s top elections official, say the measures will strengthen and help protect the integrity of Louisiana’s elections. Opponents argue the laws could create more obstacles for voters, raising particular concerns for older residents who may rely on adult grandchildren, neighbors or caregivers for help during the election season.
During his final months in office last year, former Gov. John Bel Edwards — who was the only Democratic governor in the Deep South during his two terms — successfully blocked several bills targeting transgender youth in Louisiana.
But when Governor Jeff Landry took office in January, and the LGBTQ+ community lost ally In the Governor’s Mansion, bills that had previously been rejected could still be passed and become law.
One new law in general blocks teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, a type of policy that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.” In addition, the measure prohibits “discussing topics such as sexual orientation or gender identity during extracurricular activities” that fall under the school’s jurisdiction.
Anyone who comes within 25 feet of a police officer can now face a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both under certain circumstances.
The new crime may apply to anyone who “knowingly or intentionally” approaches an officer who is “lawfully engaged in the performance of his official duties” and who has been ordered “to cease approaching or retreating.”
Critics of the law, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, fear the measure could hamper the public’s ability to film officers and infringe on citizens’ First Amendment rights. Videos of bystanders on their mobile phones — including that of the Murder of George Floyd in 2020 by Minneapolis officers — are largely responsible for exposing police misconduct and reshaping the conversation about police transparency.
The legislation’s language doesn’t specifically mention filming, but opponents say it would limit how close a person can get to police by default. Supporters argue the new law would create a buffer zone to help keep officers safe. They say bystanders would still be close enough to film police interactions.
On July 4, a new Republican-sponsored law went into effect in Louisiana that allows people 18 and older to carry guns. concealed weapon without a permit.
However, in Louisiana’s most populous city, New OrleansThe new law didn’t officially go into effect until Thursday, when an existing city ordinance on firearms, which included more regulations, expired.
“The city should no longer have stricter laws than the state regarding the unlicensed carry of a firearm,” said Reese Harper, communications director for the New Orleans Police Department.
Supporters of the statewide law say it’s long past time for Louisiana to join other Republican-led states in expanding gun rights. They argue that the law strengthens the constitutional right to bear arms. Opponents of the law fear that the lack of training normally required to carry a firearm, and with more people legally carrying concealed weapons, could lead to more gun violence.
According to the National Council of State Legislatures, Louisiana is the 28th state to introduce such legislation.