One of the items Oklahoma voters will be voting on November 6th is State Question 759. Senate Joint Resolution 15, by state Sen. Rob Johnson and Osborn, submits a proposed constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. The proposed amendment declares, “The state shall not grant preferential treatment to, or discriminate against, any individual or group on the basis of race, color, sex, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting.”
The resolution further states “The remedies available for violations of this section shall be the same, regardless of the injured party’s race, color, sex, ethnicity or national origin, as are otherwise available for violations of the antidiscrimination laws of this state.”
Gender and race discrimination would be allowed if affirmative action is needed to keep or obtain federal funds.
"This proposed constitutional amendment makes clear that all men are created equal and should be treated as such by their government,” said state Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle. “If voters approve this constitutional amendment, state government will not be allowed to discriminate against Oklahoma citizens based on race or gender – period.”
“Government employment and contracting decisions should be based on merit alone,” Osborn said. “If we are going to guarantee all citizens have the opportunity to compete, government must treat them all equally. I believe Oklahoma citizens will overwhelmingly approve this constitutional amendment at the polls and take a stand for equality.”
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