New Law Guide Helps LGBTQ Community Understand Steps to Protect Their Families in Louisiana
December 8, 2017 — For Immediate Release
NEW YORK, N.Y. and NEW ORLEANS, LA. — Family Equality Council and Forum for Equality are pleased to release a new legal guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) families living in Louisiana. This resource provides LGBTQ-headed families and LGBTQ adults considering forming families with detailed and accessible explanations of the current status of federal and state law, including recognition of same-sex marriages, parental rights, adoption, applying for documentation for children, nondiscrimination protections, school policies, healthcare, parental leave, and more. The guide also includes a list of legal documents it is recommended that all LGBTQ families secure in order to ensure their rights and wishes are respected.
“Legal protections for LGBTQ families vary dramatically from state to state, and Louisiana has very few laws in place to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in education, employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations,” said Denise Brogan-Kator, Chief Policy Officer for Family Equality Council. “This new resource will help families in Louisiana understand the steps they can take to protect their families.”
The result of a partnership between Family Equality Council and Louisiana-based Forum for Equality, the family law guide reflects both organizations’ commitment to defending LGBTQ families from discriminatory legislation, and advancing legal and lived equality for LGBTQ individuals and their families in Louisiana.
SarahJane Guidry, Executive Director of Forum for Equality, said: “Equality begins at home. We strive every day to make Louisiana, our home, a place where we can live and love equally. Until that day arrives, it is important for us to understand the ever-changing landscape for our LGBTQ families. This guide is a necessary and accessible resource to navigate the swamps of our legal system for gay and transgender Louisianans.”
Family Equality Council and Forum for Equality will continue to work tirelessly to support LGBTQ individuals and their families, change public opinion, and educate elected officials.
Click here to download a PDF copy of this free resource.
Click here to register to attend a free webinar introducing the topics covered in the guide.
About Family Equality Council
Family Equality Council advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality Council believes every LGBTQ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
About Forum for Equality
Forum for Equality is Louisiana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights organization dedicated to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and to the support of good government. We believe that the fastest and most efficient way to achieve our goals is through community organization, education, and constructive participation in the political process. Since 1989, Forum has been active in Louisiana by helping to pass civil rights advancements for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.