By T. Scott Boatright

Louisiana’s Senate voted unanimously to make it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of their hairstyle, a measure said to be aimed at ending tactics that have targeted Black people who wear their hair naturally.

Senate Bill 61, by Sen. Troy Carter, a New Orleans Democrat recently elected to a congressional seat, would expand Louisiana’s existing anti-discrimination law, which bars employers from discriminatory practices based on a worker’s race, religion, sex or national origin.

The bills is designed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race includes hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, twists and natural hair.

After the Senate’s 36-0 vote, the bill advances to the House for debate. If passed it would go into effect Aug. 1.

---