Posts tagged Oklahoma legislature
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 >
Deputy Director Tamya Cox Excites Pro-Choice Activists
5.15.11
Deputy Director Tamya Cox spoke at the 2011 Pink Wave held at the State Capitol on May 12, 2011. Cox, a rigorous supporter of choice, invoked lyrics from “Power” by Kanye West to demonstrate the need for women to get off the sidelines and back into the fight. “We must be warriors,” Cox said.
Speaking over cheers of support, Cox urged the women in the crowd to fight for their rights. “Be like Alice Paul,” she said “be like Rosa Parks.” Cox also encouraged attendees to invoke the spirit of all champions of choice, specifically mentioning Barbara Santee. Santee, a long time supporter of the ACLU, is one of Oklahoma’s fiercest warriors for women’s rights.
The Pink Wave was organized by the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice and Planned Parenthood of Oklahoma to protest bills proposed and/or passed this session that lessen women’s reproductive choices. Other speakers included several state legislators and community activists for choice.
Rep. Kern’s Morality Crusade Invades OK State Capitol
6.26.09
The ACLU of Oklahoma and other civic organizations are troubled by Representative Sally Kern’s “Oklahoma Citizen’s Proclamation for Morality,” which will be signed by Kern and others in a public ceremony to be held at noon July 2, on the first floor of the State Capitol. Kern has issued a divisive and inaccurate proclamation. The proclamation blames the economic downturn we are currently experiencing on abortion, pornography, divorce, and same sex marriage, among other things. Kern does not mention the greed of Wall Street elitists or the inability of our government to effectively regulate questionable financial practices that might be the true cause of our nation’s economic difficulties. Her proclamation is silent to meaningful solutions to address the very issues she blames for the “downturn of morality.” Kern’s proclamation, which amounts to a hate-filled diatribe, is full of inaccuracies. This proclamation alienates thousands of Oklahomans who are adherents to minority faiths or who practice no faith. It is unfortunate that she and others would promote such a divisive manifesto at a time when Oklahomans need to pull together to weather this current crisis.
Oklahoma is home to a diverse community, which should be respected and effectively represented. We are asking all More >
