An Oklahoma bill that sought to block
local LGBT protections is effectively dead for this legislative
session.
Republican Senator Joshua C. Brecheen's
bill proposed banning municipalities and counties from enacting an
ordinance, resolution, rule or regulation that conflicts with or is
more stringent than a state statute.
According to The
Gayly, Brecheen removed the bill from consideration.
“It was very clear that this
committee was not going to allow this bill to pass,” said Freedom
Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson. “And the author of the
bill pulled it from consideration. So, it's not going to be heard
before the legislation.”
If approved, the bill would have
effectively stripped away protections in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman
and other municipalities across the state prohibiting LGBT
discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Oklahoma leads the nation with more
than 25 bills targeting the LGBT community.