As a reminder for all employers in Louisiana: The state’s Employment Discrimination Law (LEDL) now includes military status as a protected characteristic.
Effective August 1, 2025, this amendment prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations based on an individual’s military affiliation and extends protections to spouses and family members of military personnel.
Under §23:332, employers in Louisiana are now prohibited from:
- Refusing to hire, discharging, or discriminating in pay, job assignments, promotions, or benefits due to military status (§23:332(A)(1)).
- Classifying or segregating employees/applicants in ways that limit opportunities (§23:332(A)(2)).
- Publishing job ads that express preferences or exclusions based on military status unless it qualifies as a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) (§23:332(E)).
- Discriminating in access to training programs (§23:332(D)).
- Taking adverse action against insurance agents based on military status (§23:332(F)).
As defined in §23:322(10) and §51:2603(10), “military status” includes:
- Active duty and reserve members of the U.S. uniformed services.
- Veterans.
- Dependents of service members who have received support for at least 180 days prior to the alleged discriminatory act.
For additional information: Louisiana – Act No. 100 (SB 66)
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