Baton Rouge - On Saturday, March 8, The Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC), the governing body for the Louisiana Democratic Party (LDP), passed a resolution to reaffirm the party’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Rustin Loyd, Chair of the LDP LGBTQ+ Caucus, said he presented the resolution to commit Louisiana Democrats to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and not actively harm or discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in this time when their basic humanity and ability to exist safely in society is under direct attack. The resolution urges and encourages Louisiana Democratic candidates and representatives to meet with their LGBTQI+ constituents, who are deserving of dignity, autonomy and safety, and further urges them to actively seek out, connect with, and learn from representatives of LGBTQI+ rights organizations within our state.

The resolution also encourages and expects Louisiana Democratic candidates and representatives to adhere to the national Democratic Party Platform, which states, “For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live authentically and proudly, even when it meant putting their lives and livelihoods at risk. LGBTQI+ Americans continue to inspire and bring hope to all people seeking a life true to who they are, and to enrich every aspect of American life. But the fight for equality is far from over, as the LGBTQI+ community continues to face attacks and bigotry in states across the country. Democrats are committed to defending LGBTQI+ rights.”

The DSCC approved the resolution in amended form with the original language of the resolution committing the LDP to neither endorse nor support candidates who use their votes and public platforms to deny fundamental rights and protections to LGBTQ+ constituents.