La. R.S. » RS
Louisiana Revised Statutes & Codes

La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
Find cases: SyfertCases citing this section LA-LEGlegis.la.gov JustiaTitle on Justia CornellLII Search CasesGoogle Scholar

§2232. Definitions

           As used in this Chapter:

           (1) "Commission" means the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights.

           (2) "Commissioner" means a member of the commission.

           (3)(a) "Disability" means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. For purposes of all laws which incorporate by reference, apply to, or rely for meaning upon the term disability as defined herein, the terms used in this definition have the following meanings:

           (i) "Major life activities" includes functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

           (ii) "Mental impairment" means any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

           (iii) "Physical impairment" means any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.

           (b) The following shall not be considered disabilities: homosexuality, bisexuality, transvestism, transexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or other sexual behavior disorders, compulsive gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs, or use of alcohol which adversely affects job performance or conduct.

           (4) "Discriminatory practice in connection with employment" means an employment practice prohibited by Chapter 3-A of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, or by R.S. 23:664.

           (5) "Discriminatory practice in connection with public accommodations" means any direct or indirect act or practice of exclusion, distinction, restriction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial, or any other act or practice of differentiation or preference in the treatment of a person or persons because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, or natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.

           (6) "Hearing examiner" means one or more persons or commissioners designated by the commission to conduct a hearing. The commission shall have the sole power to determine qualifications of the examiner.

           (7) "National origin" means the national origin of an ancestor.

           (8) "Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle" shall include but is not limited to afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.

           (9) "Person" means one or more individuals, governments, governmental agencies, public authorities, labor organizations, corporations, legal representatives, partnerships, associations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, mutual companies, joint stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, or other organized groups of persons.

           (10) "Place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement" means any place, store, or other establishment, either licensed or unlicensed, which supplies goods or services to the general public or which solicits or accepts the patronage or trade of the general public, or which is supported directly or indirectly by government funds. However, a bona fide private club is not a place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement if its policies are determined solely by its members and its facilities or services are available only to its members and their bona fide guests.

           (11) "Unlawful practice" means a discriminatory practice in connection with employment, a discriminatory practice in connection with public accommodations, or any other practice prohibited by this Chapter or by Chapter 3-A of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

           Acts 1988, No. 886, §1; Acts 1993, No. 820, §9; Acts 1997, No. 1409, §§3, 4, eff. Aug. 1, 1997; Acts 2014, No. 702, §1, eff. August 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 756, §1, eff. August 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 811, §28, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2022, No. 529, §3, eff. August 1, 2022.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 35 cases (8 in the last 5 years), 1995–2025 · leading case: Smith v. Amedisys Inc., 298 F.3d 434 (5th Cir. 2002).
Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment
Smith v. Amedisys Inc., 298 F.3d 434 (5th Cir. 2002). · cites it 2× “” La.Rev.Stat. Ann. § 51:2232(4). 12 Smith asserts that the state court concluded that the LCHRA afforded her a cause of action against the individual Defendants because they were “agents” of Amedisys.”
Smith v. Bd. of Comm'rs of the La. Stadium, 385 F. Supp. 3d 491 (E.D. La. 2019). · cites it 6× “tion have the following meanings: (i) "Physical impairment" means any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including…”
Hook v. Georgia-Gulf Corp., 788 So. 2d 47 (La. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 3× “The medical testimony establishes that Hook's ADHD and the side effects of the Ritalin contributed to the behavior he exhibited when he confronted Schmitt. A person is disabled under the LHRA if that individual suffers from "a physical or mental impairment that substantially…”
Plummer v. Marriott Corp., 654 So. 2d 843 (La. Ct. App. 1995). · cites it 2× “(1) it shall be unlawful discrimination in employment for an employer to: (a) Intentionally fail or refuse to hire, refer, discharge, or to otherwise intentionally discriminate against or in favor of an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of…”
Dehoyos v. Allstate Corp., 240 F.R.D. 269 (W.D. Tex. 2007). “The Melder plaintiffs’ claim under section 51 of the Louisiana statutes appears equally unavailing because these laws are limited to discriminatory practices in connection with public accommodations.”
Duplessis v. Warren Petroleum, Inc., 672 So. 2d 1019 (La. Ct. App. 1996). · cites it 2× “It shall be a discriminatory practice for an employer: (1) To fail, to refuse to hire, or to discharge any person or otherwise to discriminate against an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's race,…”
Devillier v. Fid. & Deposit Co. of Md., 709 So. 2d 277 (La. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 4× “R.S. 51:2232(4) The trial court ruled that defendant Bertrand is not an "employer" as defined in La.”
Albright v. S. Trace Country Club, 879 So. 2d 121 (La. 2004). · cites it 2× “The definitions section of that legislation, LSA-R.S. 51:2232, provides in pertinent part: (10) "Place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement" means any place, store, or other establishment, either licensed or unlicensed, which supplies goods or services to the general…”
Asbestos v. Borden, Inc., 826 So. 2d 581 (La. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 2× “(1) it shall be unlawful discrimination in employment for an employer to: (a) intentionally fail or refuse to hire, refer, discharge, or otherwise intentionally discriminate against or in favor of an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of…”
Hicks v. Cent. Louisiana Elec. Co., Inc., 712 So. 2d 656 (La. Ct. App. 1998). “R.S. 51:2232(4) of the Louisiana Human Rights Act provided: "Employer" means the state or any of its political subdivisions, any person employing eight or more persons within the state, or any person acting as an agent of an employer, directly or indirectly.”
Myers v. Omni Hotel, Inc., 654 So. 2d 771 (La. Ct. App. 1995). · cites it 2× “23:1006 and R.S. 51:2232. Although plaintiff presents arguments about her entitlement to worker's compensation and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, those issues were not pleaded in her petition and amended petition, and thus will not be considered.”
Beaumont v. Exxon Corp., 868 So. 2d 976 (La. Ct. App. 2004). “R.S. 51:2232(11) defines "disability" using the same language as 42 U.”
Show all 35 citing cases →
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(10): 1 case
Lane v. Baywood Hotels, Inc. (E.D. La. 2025).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(11): 13 cases
Plummer v. Marriott Corp., 654 So. 2d 843 (La. Ct. App. 1995). “(1) it shall be unlawful discrimination in employment for an employer to: (a) Intentionally fail or refuse to hire, refer, discharge, or to otherwise intentionally discriminate against or in favor of an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of…”
Hook v. Georgia-Gulf Corp., 788 So. 2d 47 (La. Ct. App. 2001). “The medical testimony establishes that Hook's ADHD and the side effects of the Ritalin contributed to the behavior he exhibited when he confronted Schmitt. A person is disabled under the LHRA if that individual suffers from "a physical or mental impairment that substantially…”
Duplessis v. Warren Petroleum, Inc., 672 So. 2d 1019 (La. Ct. App. 1996). “It shall be a discriminatory practice for an employer: (1) To fail, to refuse to hire, or to discharge any person or otherwise to discriminate against an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's race,…”
Asbestos v. Borden, Inc., 826 So. 2d 581 (La. Ct. App. 2002). “(1) it shall be unlawful discrimination in employment for an employer to: (a) intentionally fail or refuse to hire, refer, discharge, or otherwise intentionally discriminate against or in favor of an individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of…”
Beaumont v. Exxon Corp., 868 So. 2d 976 (La. Ct. App. 2004). “R.S. 51:2232(11) defines "disability" using the same language as 42 U.”
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(11)(d): 2 cases
Hook v. Georgia-Gulf Corp., 788 So. 2d 47 (La. Ct. App. 2001). “The medical testimony establishes that Hook's ADHD and the side effects of the Ritalin contributed to the behavior he exhibited when he confronted Schmitt. A person is disabled under the LHRA if that individual suffers from "a physical or mental impairment that substantially…”
Pierce v. State, Off. of Legislative Aud., 984 So. 2d 61 (La. Ct. App. 2008).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(12): 2 cases
Lowry v. Dresser, Inc., 893 So. 2d 966 (La. Ct. App. 2005).
Hailey v. Hickingbottom, 715 So. 2d 647 (La. Ct. App. 1998).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(3): 1 case
Albright v. S. Trace Country Club, 879 So. 2d 121 (La. 2004). “The definitions section of that legislation, LSA-R.S. 51:2232, provides in pertinent part: (10) "Place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement" means any place, store, or other establishment, either licensed or unlicensed, which supplies goods or services to the general…”
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(3)(a): 4 cases
Smith v. Bd. of Comm'rs of the La. Stadium, 385 F. Supp. 3d 491 (E.D. La. 2019). “tion have the following meanings: (i) "Physical impairment" means any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including…”
Lenz v. Scherer (E.D. La. 2025).
Cougle v. Berkshire Life Ins. Co. of Am. (E.D. La. 2019).
Abshire v. Livingston Par. (M.D. La. 2023).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(4): 6 cases
Smith v. Amedisys Inc., 298 F.3d 434 (5th Cir. 2002). “” La.Rev.Stat. Ann. § 51:2232(4). 12 Smith asserts that the state court concluded that the LCHRA afforded her a cause of action against the individual Defendants because they were “agents” of Amedisys.”
Devillier v. Fid. & Deposit Co. of Md., 709 So. 2d 277 (La. Ct. App. 1998). “R.S. 51:2232(4) The trial court ruled that defendant Bertrand is not an "employer" as defined in La.”
Hicks v. Cent. Louisiana Elec. Co., Inc., 712 So. 2d 656 (La. Ct. App. 1998). “R.S. 51:2232(4) of the Louisiana Human Rights Act provided: "Employer" means the state or any of its political subdivisions, any person employing eight or more persons within the state, or any person acting as an agent of an employer, directly or indirectly.”
Galbreth v. Bellsouth Telecomm., Inc., 896 F. Supp. 631 (E.D. La. 1995).
King v. Dunbar, 716 So. 2d 104 (La. Ct. App. 1998).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(5): 5 cases
Smith v. Bd. of Comm'rs of the La. Stadium, 385 F. Supp. 3d 491 (E.D. La. 2019). “tion have the following meanings: (i) "Physical impairment" means any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including…”
Harrison v. Vici Props., Inc. (E.D. La. 2022).
Harrison v. Vici Props., Inc. (E.D. La. 2022).
Minor Child. v. Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans (La. Ct. App. 2024).
Lenz v. Scherer (E.D. La. 2025).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(9): 2 cases
Smith v. Bd. of Comm'rs of the La. Stadium, 385 F. Supp. 3d 491 (E.D. La. 2019). “tion have the following meanings: (i) "Physical impairment" means any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including…”
Cougle v. Berkshire Life Ins. Co. of Am. (E.D. La. 2019).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(ll)(a)(i): 1 case
Clouse v. Boise Cascade Corp., 955 F. Supp. 670 (W.D. La. 1997).
La. Rev. Stat. § 51:2232(ll)(a)(iii): 1 case
Clouse v. Boise Cascade Corp., 955 F. Supp. 670 (W.D. La. 1997).
Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.