By Darren Svan | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The Bossier Police Jury voted unanimously this week to postpone adoption of a law making it a crime for individuals to use a restroom or locker room that does not correspond with their biological sex.
A public hearing is scheduled Sept. 2 at the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton. It remains unclear whether the Jury will vote to approve or reject the measure that day.
The ordinance adopts definitions from Louisiana’s Women’s Safety and Protection Act that was passed in 2024, and is intended to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to handle “public safety situations,” according to juror comments.
Louisiana defines biological sex based on an individual’s reproductive system and biology as observed or clinically verified at birth.
The state statute provides for a civil action, while Bossier’s proposed ordinance would authorize criminal charges, according to the ordinance.
The Jury accepted public comments during its Aug. 5 regular meeting. Seven people provided testimony: three local residents and four people who live outside of the parish. The discussion spanned approximately 25 minutes.
“I just ask you to continue to have an open ear to this,” said Peyton Rose Michelle, a trans advocate from Lafayette. “You found yourself in a complex issue with lots of opinions on different sides.”
No juror commented during the discussion.
If passed, the ordinance would cover all parish-owned or parish-operated offices, courthouse facilities, libraries, public works and maintenance buildings, recreation buildings, and warehouses.
It would amend Chapter 78 of the “Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions” of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances. Penalties are outlined in three steps: first offense is a fine of up to $250; second offense is up to $500 and 30 days in jail; and a third offense can result in a $500 fine, plus up to six months in jail.
On July 15, the Jury unanimously voted in favor of advancing the ordinance on first reading.