Workplace equality for Oklahoma LGBT community delayed

Statement from State Rep. Jason Dunnington (D-88)

(Oklahoma City, OK) - House Bill 1345 will not be heard in committee this legislative session, further delaying workplace equality for the LGBT community in the State of Oklahoma. 

When a bill does not get a scheduled hearing in committee, it has no pathway for moving forward. The bill amends provisions regarding workplace and employment discrimination by adding sexual orientation and gender identity. 

​Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, author of the bill, expressed his discontent with his bill not being heard in committee.

Statement from State Rep. Jason Dunnington (D-88)

“Many of my colleagues in the House would contend that America is built on the fundamental promise that if you work hard, and play by the rules, you can get ahead. But today, thousands of Oklahomans go to work fearing that they could lose their jobs simply because of who they are or who they love.”

Members of the House District 88 community also expressed their disappointment with the bill not being heard in committee. 

"The LGBT community has found a strong ally in Jason Dunnington. Freedom Oklahoma would like to thank the Representative for proposing the most comprehensive protections against discrimination in the history of Oklahoma. While it is extremely unfortunate that HB1345 will not be heard in this session, we look forward to working with Rep. Dunnington - and other fair-minded lawmakers - to ensure that one day soon, freedom will truly mean freedom for everyone in our great state,” said Troy Stevenson, the Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma.

Although the bill will not be heard in this legislative session, Rep. Dunnington is hopeful it will be heard again in the next legislative session.

“While HB1345 did not move forward this year, I am committed to running it again, as I believe that all Oklahomans regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity should possess basic employment protections.”

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For more information about the Oklahoma State Legislature and House Bill 1345, please visit oklegislature.gov . Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, was elected in 2014 to his first term in the House, representing District 88 in central Oklahoma. For more updates from the office of House District 88, follow Rep. Dunnington on Twitter at twitter.com/jdunnington or on Facebook at facebook.com/VoteJasonDunnington.

The Gayly – February 17, 2015 @ 9pm.