The Supreme Court ruling in June that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act may allow some federal benefits for same-sex couples that were legally married elsewhere but live in Louisiana. Otherwise, the decision will have little immediate impact in the state. Louisiana passed a constitutional amendment in 2004 that defines marriage as "between one man and one woman" and denies the recognition of gay unions. In light of the High Court's decision, could Louisiana's Defense of Marriage amendment be challenged? Does Louisiana's current position on gay marriage affect its "quality of life" and threaten the recruitment of employers to the state? And do legislative attempts to outlaw workplace discrimination against gays in Louisiana achieve equal protection or create special rights at the expense of another's religious freedom? Louisiana Public Square pursues the answers to these questions and more on "Gay in Louisiana, " airing on Wednesday, August 28, at 7 p.m. on LPB HD and 9 p.m. on WLAE. (Taping Tuesday, August 27.) Panelists include: - John Denison, Louisiana Forum for Equality Foundation - Heather Doss, Louisiana Commission on Marriage and Family - Fr. Bryce Sibley, Pastor and Chaplain, Diocese of Lafayette - Ron Wilson, ACLU of Louisiana Beth Courtney, LPB CEO, and Craig Freeman, LSU Media Law professor, moderate the discussion.
