Discrimination
ACLU of OK Stands Up to Efforts to Discriminate Against Gay & Lesbian National Guard Soldiers
1.10.12
Today, the ACLU of Oklahoma is calling on the Speaker of the House to send a clear signal that HB 2195 is dead on arrival and that the House will not waste a single minute considering the politically motivated act of a single legislator, and instead, will stand with the brave men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard, regardless of their sexual orientation.
In addition to potentially jeopardizing federal funding, this legislation distracts our legislature from efforts that truly support our troops by ensuring that when they return from service they will find a strong economy, educational opportunities, and affordable health care awaiting them.
A similar measure was proposed in Virgina last session. That bill died in subcommittee after the Attorney General, a socially conservative Republican, noted that, if it passed, the federal government could and probably would withhold federal funding for the VA Guard. Other policy makers highlighted that More >
2011 Session Ends With Small Victories
6.15.11
The ACLU began the 2011 session tracking almost 50 bills. Although this number was significantly down from the previous session, the bills introduced this year were more hostile toward civil liberties than in years past. Predictably, bills restricting a woman’s right to choose, blurring the separation of church and state, and demonizing the immigrant community were prevalent through the 1800 bills introduced.
While many other organizations and individuals were concerned by the fundamentally conservative nature of the new administration and agency heads, the affiliate was prepared for the typical neglect toward civil liberties as witnessed in the past. The strategy changed very little this session. Legislative Counsel Tamya Cox, who also serves as the lobbyist, was required to be in the office more this session due to the transition of executive directors. Therefore, Cox focused her attention on bills that lacked an organized effort. She wrote more position papers and provided needed talking points to key legislators.
Mainly anti-immigrant bills and First Amendment restrictions bills became the focus of her efforts. Over 20 anti-immigrant bills were introduced this session. It was expected that an Arizona copy-cat bill would be introduced, and there were several versions introduced. Several bills attempted to More >
Save equal opportunity in Oklahoma
6.14.11
This summer, the ACLU of Oklahoma will be focusing its efforts on saving equal opportunity programs that are at risk of being banned. During the 2011 sessions, the Oklahoma State Legislature approved a measure, if approved by voters in 2012, will disband affirmative action programs across the state. State Question 759, introduced by Sen. Rob Johnson, is a misleading and deceptive attempt to curb programs that have created opportunities for qualified Oklahomans that have been historically withheld.
The language of SQ 759 appears innocuous but the affect will be detrimental to many Oklahomans. The language on the ballots reads:
“This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds a new section 36 to Article II. It will not allow special treatment or discrimination based on race or sex in public employment, education or contracts. It gives exceptions for some situations. It sets out remedies for violations.”
The attempt to ban equal opportunity is not new to Oklahoma. In 2008, Oklahoma faced this same issue through an initiative petition. The language was the same and the group behind the action was the same. Ward Connerly, a conservative, rich, African-American, has made it his mission to prohibit such important programs throughout the state. He has More >
ACLU mourns death of civil rights pioneer
6.13.11
The ACLU of Oklahoma mourns the death of civil rights pioneer Clara Luper. Luper passed away earlier this month.
In 1958, three years before the famous freedom rides, Luper led a group of young activists to Katz Drug store and sat down at the segregated counter. The group endured threats and assaults but refused to be moved. When the young heroes were finally served, their pursuit of equality did not end. Luper and other young activist staged sits across the city at the John A. Browns Luncheonette, Anna Maude Cafeteria, the Skirvin Hotel and Wedgewood Amusement Park.
Luper continued to inspire young people through her long career as an Oklahoma educator.
As we continue to strive for equality for all, we will continue to follow her lead. We will continue to be facilitators of her spirit and promise keepers of her dream. Her spirit will greatly be missed but her legacy will endure always.
Don’t Hide Your Pride! Free t-shirts to first 40 volunteers!
6.9.11
Join the ACLU to march in this year’s Pride Parade. The first 40 people who volunteer to march with the ACLU will receive a free ACLU of Oklahoma Pride T-shirt. The parade will be held on Sunday, June 26th. Those wishing to march should arrive no later than 5 pm. The parade begins at 6 pm starting at Memorial Park. For more information, or to volunteer, please e-mail Allie Shinn!
