La. Lawmaker Pulls Gay Rights Anti-Discrimination Bill

An effort to prohibit employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity has been shelved for the legislative session.

Rep. Karen St. Germain, a Democrat from Pierre Part, told the House civil law committee Tuesday that she wouldn't push the bill because she doesn't have the votes for passage.

Before pulling the bill, the committee heard from supporters of the proposal who argued it would make people want to stay in Louisiana and with their employers. They say people shouldn't be fired for being gay.

Opposition for the measure came from business organizations and conservative groups. But they didn't testify before the committee because St. Germain pulled the bill.

St. Germain says she'll return with the proposal next year.