LA · Civil Rights & Disputes

Civil Rights & Disputes in Louisiana

By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026

Key Louisiana Law

Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law — La. R.S. 23:301 et seq.

Louisiana's employment discrimination statutes prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age (40+), and genetic information. Louisiana also has separate provisions under the Louisiana Human Rights Act.

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Procedural Details in Louisiana

Louisiana's civil rights framework operates through both the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) and direct state court action under La. R.S. 51:2231 et seq. (Louisiana Human Rights Act). LCHR complaints must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act. Louisiana does not have explicit statewide protections for sexual orientation or gender identity in private employment or public accommodations. New Orleans has a local civil rights ordinance providing broader protections. Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations for defamation under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492 — the shortest in the country. Louisiana does not have a general anti-SLAPP statute, though courts have applied limited common law protections. Louisiana's civil law heritage (rather than common law) shapes the structure of some civil rights remedies.

Louisiana Agencies & Resources

Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR)

State agency investigating discrimination complaints in employment and public accommodations.

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EEOC New Orleans Field Office

Federal agency handling employment discrimination charges for Louisiana workers.

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Louisiana State Bar Association — Lawyer Referral

Referral service for civil rights attorneys licensed in Louisiana.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisiana have statewide sexual orientation civil rights protections?

Louisiana does not have statewide protections for sexual orientation or gender identity in private employment or public accommodations. New Orleans has a local ordinance, and federal law (Title VII after Bostock) may provide some employment protections.

How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Louisiana?

Complaints filed with the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights must be submitted within 300 days of the discriminatory act. LCHR has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC.

Does Louisiana have an anti-SLAPP statute?

Louisiana does not have a general anti-SLAPP statute. Defamation defendants use standard dispositive motions. Louisiana's civil law tradition may affect how courts analyze certain defamation claims compared to common law states.

What is the defamation statute of limitations in Louisiana?

Louisiana's defamation prescription period is one year under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492 — the shortest nationally. This makes prompt legal consultation critical for anyone who believes they have been defamed.

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By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026