Recent legislation has ignited objection from the campus community.
Students have organized events March 7-14 to protest Oklahoma Senate Bill 1433.
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A fetus at every stage of development has all the same rights, privileges and immunities granted to other citizens of Oklahoma, read the legislation.
If SB 1433 passes in the House of Representatives and is approved by Gov. Mary Fallin, then all forms of abortion and some types of contraception could be considered murder and therefore be made illegal.
The subsequent effects of the bill, commonly referred to as the “Personhood Bill,” have stirred controversy statewide and locally.
Some people have taken a stand against the bill, arguing that it violates women’s rights and could reverse accomplishments made for women’s Civil Rights.
Others, such as fundamentalists, believe abortion is inherently immoral and should not be allowed in any circumstance.
Debate is healthy, but the discourse should be civil. It’s what allows our society to progress.
While it’s easy to be a passive citizen, allowing laws to shape our lives even though we may disagree, it’s even more important to speak out.
Students should have active voices in state legislation because laws like SB 1433 will directly affect their futures.
One of the events campus students plan to host is a panel discussion, where representatives from both sides of the issue will discuss their positions on the bill.
Check out our Twitter page @MediaOCU.com where we will live tweet the discussion.
Victoria Swinney, director of Dulaney-Browne Library, will represent the affirmative.
“I hope people are able to discuss these issues by being able to understand the other side of the debate,” she said.
It’s pertinent for people to have an informed position, but part of that includes understanding the opposition.
So, listen, formulate an opinion and then contact your representatives to let them know your stance on the issue.
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