In response to Governor Stitt’s announcement to suspend abortions for Oklahomans because he considers them “elective procedures”, despite being, an essential and constitutionally legal health care practice, the ACLU of Oklahoma issued the following response.

Yesterday the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed HJR 1027, moving forward with a dangerous proposal that infringes on the cornerstone of the democratic process in Oklahoma. If enacted, the resolution could take away the power of Oklahoma voters to implement common-sense policy.

After a historic legislative-led initiative to provide commutation relief for people sentenced with charges later made misdemeanors under state question 780, the 2020 legislative session has been a record disappointment in terms of making criminal justice reform a priority.

With great disdain, we—a coalition of groups who lift up voices of the disenfranchised and oppressed communities in this state—express our most earnest opposition to HB3195. HB3195 mandates state and local authorities to actively engage in separating Oklahoma families

After more than eight years at the helm of the ACLU of Oklahoma, Executive Director Ryan Kiesel announced that he will step down from his role in June of this year. Kiesel will remain with the affiliate this spring as the Board leads a national search process for a new Executive Director.