By Emma Velez, Columnist
More than half of the state’s House Democrats stormed out of chambers instead of voting April 9. The demonstration was in response to HR 1009, whose rather lengthy title is: “Concurrent Resolution; reaffirming marriage and urging the Supreme Court to uphold the Defense of Marriage Act and the right of states to regulate marriage.”
The resolution was a response to the recent oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on California’s Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Text from the resolution urges “THAT the Oklahoma Legislature reaffirms its commitment to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman and urges the United States Supreme Court to uphold the Defense of Marriage Act and the right of states to regulate marriage.”
The resolution was approved 84-0. The 17 members who walked out rather than vote on the resolution included House Democratic leader Scott Inman and the openly gay representative of OCU’s own District 88, Kay Floyd.
Rather than take a stand on the issue, the 17 dissenting members excused themselves from the chambers in an act of indignant protest at wasting taxpayer’s time and money… or something like that. Personally, I find it difficult to understand the reasoning that concludes not having one’s vote recorded carries as much weight as casting a dissenting vote. While these 17 may pat themselves on the back for this gesture, I see this inability and unwillingness as cowardice and call these 17 House Representatives out for their collective inaction.
It is my firm belief that when elected as a political leader, you are empowered and entrusted with the ability to vote on important issues concerning that state. Further, you should use that power to advocate what you believe as just for your constituents to the best of your ability, regardless of the perceived political repercussions. Indeed, one should feel compelled to do so.
Allowing the measure pass 84-0 does not give the appearance that there was dissent on the resolution, and instead perpetuates the notion that Oklahoma is of one conservative mind on the issue of same sex marriage when this is simply not the case. I can only imagine the great disappointment the gay and lesbian constituents of these representatives feel after such a grand demonstration that yielded no results.
Perhaps even more disheartening than the self-righteous political grandstanding of those that stormed out of chambers are those progressive House members who cast “Yea” votes. I am disappointed with Representatives Doorman, Pittman and Johnson, all House members who I have come to admire for their ability to take a stand on divisive issues like last session’s Personhood Bill.
It’s a sad day for Oklahoma when our representatives cannot or will not cast votes on issues from fear of re-election. Looks like it’s politics as usual at the Capitol here in the Great State of Oklahoma.
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