CNS News– In a controversial move targeting the LGBTQ+ community, Oklahoma Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at banning state agencies from recognizing or promoting Pride Month celebrations. State Representative Kevin West and State Senator David Bullard introduced HB 3217, dubbed the “Patriotism Not Pride Act,” which prohibits the allocation of state funds for activities promoting LGBTQ+ Pride Month or similar events.
The bill, if passed, would prohibit state agencies from organizing or endorsing events, initiatives, official communications, social media posts, educational programs, or public campaigns related to LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Additionally, it would prohibit the display of LGBTQ+ Pride flags on state grounds or properties.
West justified the bill by asserting that Oklahoma taxpayer dollars should not be utilized to support activities that do not align with the values of the majority of Oklahomans. He emphasized that individuals within the LGBTQ+ community would retain the freedom to express their views and identities but would be barred from utilizing state resources for such purposes.
Critics, including Freedom Oklahoma executive director Nicole McAfee, argue that the legislation aims to suppress speech and further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. McAfee denounced the bill as an attempt to silence and disenfranchise LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the community’s diverse presence across the state.
A New Oklahoma Bill – HB 3217, the “Patriotism Not Pride Act” – Could Ban State Agencies From Celebrating Pride Month.
The bill was introduced Monday in the Oklahoma Legislature that would effectively ban state agencies from acknowledging or celebrating Pride Month, adding to…
— Rainbow Youth Project USA (@RainbowYouthUSA) February 7, 2024
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HB 3217 is among several anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in Oklahoma during the current legislative session, reflecting a broader trend of discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reports that nearly 400 similar bills have been introduced across the country in 2024, with Oklahoma Republicans leading the charge with the introduction of 54 such bills.
The proposed legislation has sparked debates over freedom of expression, equal rights, and the role of government in promoting inclusivity and diversity within communities. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders on both sides of the issue continue to voice their perspectives, underscoring the complex intersection of politics, identity, and civil liberties.