Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: February 5, 2004

Audio Clip

Sen. James A. Williamson
Senate Republican Leader

Henry, Hobson Putting Oklahoma At Risk for Same Sex Marriage

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – A brand new decision by the activist Massachusetts Supreme Court that “only full, equal marriage rights” for gays is constitutional puts Oklahoma at further risk that same sex marriages will be forced on our state. The ruling is a follow-up by the court to its controversial ruling last year.

Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson said recent actions by Gov. Brad Henry and Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, have added to the risk that Oklahomans could soon have same sex marriages forced on them by activist courts.

“Gov. Henry’s silence on the need to defend traditional marriage during his State of the State address was deafening. His reluctance to protect traditional marriage could put Oklahoma at risk that a court will force same sex unions on us here,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa.

Also adding to the risk is Hobson’s decision to assign a state constitutional amendment defining marriage in Oklahoma as between one man and one woman – authored by Williamson and Rep. Mike O’Neal, R-Enid – to the Senate Human Resources Committee. The committee is chaired by Senator Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City, who last year said anyone who opposes same sex marriage is a “bigot.” To date, Sen. Cain has not indicated he will even hear the bill.

“Senator Hobson’s decision to assign our constitutional amendment to Senator Cain’s committee shows that the Democrat leaders of the Senate want to block efforts to protect traditional marriage in Oklahoma,” Williamson said.

Williamson called on Henry to help overcome opposition by the Senate Democrat leadership by actively supporting Williamson’s constitutional amendment and a resolution authored Reps. Thad Balkman, R-Norman, and Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, calling on the U.S. Congress to protect marriage with a federal constitutional amendment.

“A state constitutional amendment will protect Oklahomans from an activist Oklahoma judge. A federal constitutional amendment will protect us from activist judges on the federal bench or in other states like Massachusetts.

“This is probably the most important social issue facing America today. We hope Gov. Henry will join Republicans in a bipartisan effort to defend the sanctity of marriage in Oklahoma. Hopefully the governor will work as hard to protect marriage in Oklahoma as he has to expand gambling in Oklahoma,” Williamson concluded.

For more information contact:

Sen. James A. Williamson
Senate Republican Leader
(405) 521-5624