Legislation
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 >
No Anti-Immigrant Laws Passed in 2011
6.5.11
The ACLU of Oklahoma is proud to announce that no anti-immigrant bills were signed into law in 2011. With more than 20 anti-immigrant bills filed, the ACLU worked tirelessly to lobby against these measures. Before the 2011 session began, the ACLU helped organize a broad coalition that included civil rights organizations and members of the business community. The coalition provided legal and fiscal analyses, highlighting the many problems surrounding these bills, to key members of the Oklahoma State Legislature.
Tamya Cox, legislative counsel, lobbied at the legislature to ensure these bills would not be heard. She, along with Interim Executive Director Mark Henricksen, traveled the state hosting town hall meetings to reassure Oklahomans that the ACLU stands by them, and will not allow racist, xenophobic measures to become law. Outreach Coordinator Allie Shinn organized a bulk mail campaign to oppose any efforts to opt out of the citizenship clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Through a combination of the ACLU’s efforts and those of countless Oklahomans of all ages and backgrounds not one single anti-immigrant bill became law. The ACLU of Oklahoma extends heartfelt thanks to all who worked to prevent the legislature from defining who is and is not a valuable resident More >
Tamya Cox will address Oklahoma County Democrats at luncheon
Tamya Cox, Legislative Counsel, demonstrates how to follow a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature.
Tamya Cox, Deputy Director and Legislative Council, will be the guest speaker at the Friday Noon Speaker Luncheon of the Oklahoma County Democratic Party on Friday, June 3. The luncheon series is held at the Boulevard Cafeteria, 525 NW 11th Street.
She will speak about how to successfully defeat the placement of an anti-affirmative action state question on the 2012 presidential ballot.
Ms. Cox is a graduate of the Oklahoma City University School of Law; she also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism with an emphasis in public relations from Oklahoma State University. Ms. Cox’s service with the ACLU of Oklahoma began in 2005 as Litigation Coordinator.
