OKLAHOMA CITY - HB 1888 by Rep. Williams and Sen. Bullard would prevent government from conducting “gender or sexual diversity” trainings. The ACLU of Oklahoma and Freedom Oklahoma issued the following statements in response:
The following quote is attributable to Allie Shinn, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma:
“HB 1888 is an affront to over half of the people who call Oklahoma home. Put simply, this measure is an attack on women, girls, and LGBTQ2S+ people, and demonstrates clearly the authors’ lack of respect for the people they represent. HB 1888 has serious implications for federal funding for critical services, for the First Amendment, and for so many Oklahomans, all of whom the Legislature has a duty to serve. Serious times call for serious policy makers. It’s disappointing that Representative Williams is so determined to wield government as a weapon against the women, girls, and LGBTQ2S+ residents of Oklahoma that he is willing to risk critical funding and Title VII compliance to do so.”
The following is attributable to Nicole McAfee, Director of Policy and Advocacy of ACLU of Oklahoma:
“With the potential advancement of HB 1888, the Oklahoma Legislature is considering silencing individuals and imposing an alternate version of American history — one that erases the legacy of discrimination and lived experiences of women and girls and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. All state regulated entities should be actively engaging in the concepts diversity trainings use to educate individuals on the systemic barriers and discrimination marginalized groups still face in this country today across our institutions — from our workplaces and schools to our criminal legal system — not violating First Amendment free speech rights and puting public bodies across Oklahoma in a dangerous position with regard to Title VII compliance. Last week’s debate on HB 1888 in the Oklahoma House demonstrated the very need for gender and sexual diversity training. We’d recommend the legislature take a look in the mirror rather than taking us steps backwards by prohibiting these learning and growth spaces at the great expense to our state and the people who call Oklahoma home.”
