LA HB293

Adds "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" as protected classes under Louisiana's employment discrimination law (R.S. 23:302 and 332), alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military status, and natural/protective/cultural hairstyle

Defines "gender identity" as a gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior regardless of physiology or designated sex at birth, which may be demonstrated through medical history, consistent assertion, or other evidence of sincerely held identity

Defines "sexual orientation" as an individual's actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality

Extends protections to cover employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, joint labor-management committees, and insurers regarding hiring, firing, compensation, membership, apprenticeship programs, and job advertisements

Preserves bona fide occupational qualification exceptions for religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin, and explicitly states the law shall not infringe upon First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, or free exercise of religion