Know Your Rights: Bossier’s Criminal Bathroom Ban

This page aims to ensure folks in and visiting Bossier Parish understand their rights and the implications of the ordinance criminalizing the use of publicly funded bathrooms and other facilities.

In summary: This ordinance expands upon state law defining sex as assigned at birth, and requires people to use the bathrooms, changing rooms, etc, that correlate with their sex assigned at birth in parish-funded facilities, such as government buildings, libraries, parks, etc. It also tasks municipal employees with enforcing this proposed law, which poses a liability risk for them. If a person is determined to be in the wrong facilities and convicted of this crime, they can be fined and sentenced to jail. Learn more below! 

The Law

Bossier Parish Ordinance NO. 5127 — (Effective Date: July 15, 2026)

How This Law Applies:

  • Applies rigid and discriminatory definitions of “sex” taken directly from Louisiana state law. These definitions focus on reproductive organs at birth.

  • Explicitly names that the definitions will apply to: bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, locker rooms, and similar facilities located within libraries, courthouses, parks, and other buildings operated by the Bossier Parish Police Jury.

  • DOES NOT affect private establishments. 

  • Allows single-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters that are NOT designated by sex.

  • Exemptions are included for: a parent assisting a minor child; assistance provided to a disabled person; emergency medical care; law enforcement activities; custodial or maintenance services; emergency evacuations or disasters.

Enforcement:

  • The weight of enforcement of this law rests solely on employees of these facilities.

  • If an employee perceives a violation of this law, they’ll ask you to leave the bathroom/changing room/etc.

  • If you refuse to leave, you’ll be asked to leave the entire building.

  • If you continue to refuse to leave, you’ll be officially in violation of this ordinance, and law enforcement will be called to arrest you, and you can face the following penalties.

Penalties:

  • Upon conviction, the penalty for the first offense is a fine of up to $250.

  • For the second offense, you can receive a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

  • For third and subsequent offenses, you can receive a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 6 months.

  • Each separate occurrence shall constitute a separate offense.

  • The penalties for the non-criminal state law also apply. Learn more here.

Our Thoughts (not legal advice)

  • This law is clearly harmful and terribly written. It will not only affect queer people, but all people who don’t dress traditionally.

  • We don’t want queer folks getting into the prison industrial complex system, so if you’re in Bossier Parish and get accused of breaking this law, we encourage folks to descalate and get out of the bathroom as quickly as able. In serious situations, it may be best to leave the building entirely to avoid arrest.

  • Avoid breaking other laws in the process. For example, Video Voyeurism laws prohibit video recording someone in the bathroom. Battery charges carry more severe penalties, so ensure you do not touch anyone as you leave.

  • If you or someone you know is charged with this crime, please reach out to us to let us know about the situation.