Many people may not be aware that legislation (HB800) to launch a Louisiana Constitutional Convention is being introduced now into the legislature. I am writing to express my strong opposition.

While it may be that the Louisiana constitution could use improvement, under the current political situation, calling for a constitutional convention is completely unacceptable.

First, it is being forced down the throats of legislators and the public with little public notice. It is a kind of rushed bullying.

Second, it will use up valuable time in the already extremely limited legislative session.

Third, no advance notice of the issues to be changed has been promulgated, at least to the public. Notice of issues to be mitigated is the only the fair and democratic thing to do. Introducing issues at the last minute and stealthily is the sign of encroaching autocracy. Why the rush, if there is nothing to hide?

Fourth, it is certain that the governor will try to coerce his agenda into the constitution, causing much more damage than he already has and intends to do. For example, one can be sure that voting rights will be curtailed. Or that LGBTQ rights will be criminalized. Or that public protest will be felonized. Another example is that climate and environmental protection will surely be given low priority relative to corporate profit. This will enshrine dangerous precedent for the long term future in a time when we can least afford it. As most people know, the world is in a critical time period in which we must curb carbon emissions as soon as possible or face existential crises. 

Fifth, since the redistricting is still under court review, the current legislative body may not be in compliance with federal voting rules. Therefore, the entire convention would be null.