The bill that would protect children with disabilities from corporal punishment is likely to be reconsidered for a vote tomorrow. For my colleagues who said they could not vote in favor of prohibiting hitting disabled children because they felt like they were voting against the Bible, I would like to remind you that our job is to serve the people we represent, not to adhere to religious doctrine.
Today we’re at the OHCA as therapists and counselors prepare to march to the Capitol. They’re protesting a law that will soon require them to register patient information to a state database for us by healthcare professionals. @koconews
This is the cruelty of Ryan Walters and next on his list will be his political opponents. But, he has completely failed to investigate or pursue the wrongs to children in Salina, Ninnekah, Kingfisher, Wewoka & Ringling. @oksde stopped helping kids when Ryan Walters came to power!
When religion directs the government, it is not democracy; it is theocracy. We have recently witnessed in Oklahoma how religious fundamentalism can lead to a narrow-minded interpretation of scripture, which can be used to justify oppressive and exclusionary laws.
During my time in the Oklahoma Legislature, I have heard Republicans say that rape is "God's will" and that it should not warrant an abortion, because while rape "may not be the best thing that ever happened, it is all part of God's plan." Last week, a Republican lawmaker cited Proverbs to reject a ban on corporal punishment for children with disabilities in schools. During a re-election speech, our Republican governor dedicated the state of Oklahoma to Jesus: "With the authority that I have as governor, and the spiritual authority and the physical authority that you give me, I claim Oklahoma for you." The previous Attorney General believed that tax dollars should fund religious charter schools.
We must not allow theocrats to weaponize their religious biases to enforce bigoted laws, marginalize minority groups, harm public health, damage our public schools, and reject scientific advances - all at taxpayers' expense. This is not the American way. We must stand up for equal treatment under the law and the separation of church and state under the Constitution.
I was honored to welcome so many mental health professionals from all over OK to THEIR House today! Their main concern is protecting the privacy of their clients which may be at risk in a Health Information Exchange. Shout out to @OkProv4Privacy who organized this rally! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Personal mental health records should remain 100% confidential and be excluded from the Oklahoma Health Information Exchange database. Not doing so would be a violation of the patient's rights, trust, and privacy, which is the basis of effective mental health therapy.