News & Commentary
Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma
By Travis Handler
Latest Event
Not in My Name Coalition Meeting
Every Oklahoman must ask themselves not whether they support the death penalty, but rather: Do I trust the government with the power to kill its citizens—especially after catastrophic failures in the recent past?
Oklahoma's criminal legal system has failed to protect the innocent, those with serious mental health conditions, and individuals who have suffered adverse childhoods from execution. We cannot allow this to continue! Capital Punishment is racist, arbitrary, costly, and error-prone. It is time to end the death penalty once and for all.
The mission of the Not in My Name Coalition is to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize individuals and groups to take a stand against the use of capital punishment in the state of Oklahoma. Through our efforts, we strive to foster a culture of empathy by validating the humanity of people incarcerated on death row and advocating for their fundamental rights. Together, we declare, Not in My Name: we stand against the ultimate and irreversible act of state-sanctioned violence. Join the fight to end the death penalty in Oklahoma by becoming part of the Not in My Name Coalition. As a member, you will be informed of local events and rallies, gain a space to organize, and join a network of dedicated individuals who are committed to the work alongside you. Sign up now!
ACLU of Oklahoma Legal Team Files for Summary Judgment in Federal Challenge to OKC Anti-Panhandling Ordinance
&nbs
By Bryan Newell
Statements from ACLU of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Health on Passing of Deadline to Protest Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative
September 30, 2016OKLAHOMA CITY – At the close of the ten-day protest period on Thursday, there were no challenges seeking to invalidate any signatures collected by Oklahomans for Health in their effort to place Medical Marijuana on a ballot for Oklahoma voters. In response to the news that the final hurdle for the certification of signatures has been successfully cleared, meaning the question will appear on a ballot in the near future, the ACLU of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Health released the following statements:Please attribute to Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director, ACLU of Oklahoma: “The more than 67,000 Oklahomans who signed the petition for medical marijuana will have their voices heard. The historic success of this grassroots effort led by Oklahomans for Health is a testament to the overwhelming support for medical marijuana. As a result, Oklahomans will have an opportunity to cast their ballot in favor of a modern, medically proven, and evidence based drug law, moving the State one step closer to sensible drug policy. In the meantime, we will continue our challenge to the Attorney General’s politicized and misleading re-write of the ballot title while working to ensure Oklahoma voters are able to decide this question as soon as possible.” Please attribute to Chip Paul, Co-Chair, Oklahomans for Health:“Oklahomans for health is excited that medical marijuana is one step closer to a vote of the people. This successful grassroots effort is a demonstration of how meaningful policy can be approached in a democratic society. We look forward to bringing this policy to a vote of the people in the very near future.”
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Responds to Charges Against Tulsa Officer Involved in Killing of Terence Crutcher
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Calls for Criminal Charges Against TPD Officers in Murder of Terence Crutcher
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Requests Hearing to Contest Discrimination by Oklahoma Tax Commission
By requesting a formal hearing, the ACLU of Oklahoma and its client aim to present these arguments in detail and seek a reversal of the Tax Commission’s decision to deny Mr. Luttrell’s request. The Tax Commission must honor the tenets of free speech codified in the Oklahoma and United States Constitutions and allow Mr. Luttrell the opportunity to freely and fully express himself just like any other Oklahoman.
A copy of the ACLU’s Request for Hearing is attached here.
By Bryan Newell
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.