I am an Oklahoma Libertarian blogging about current politics both in Oklahoma and at the federal level. I often spend too much time researching law and legal cases, so you might see a little bit of that on here, too.
Firearms Bills Introduced for 2012 in Oklahoma
So far, three bills related to firearms (that I could find, at least), have been slated to be introduced when the session starts up again in February. As the session approaches and wears on, I will try to keep this updated.
HB 2193
HB 2193 by Rep. Jason Murphey doesn't really need a whole lot of discussion. It simply proposes to amend firearm storage laws to include ammunition. This is presumably to prevent employers and other entities from being able to enforce policies that prohibit the storage of ammunition rather than just the storage of a firearm in locked vehicles in parking lots. What good is that gun that you carry without ammunition, after all?
More About Yesterday's Decision on Sharia Law in Oklahoma
I had the chance to read the opinion last night, so I should be able to offer some takeaways today.
First of all, I wholly agree with the 10th Circuit's opinion that the "Save Our State" Amendment is likely unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause because it only prohibits the use of one form of religious law regardless of whether it is being called upon in civil or criminal court. It enshrines this notion into the Oklahoma Constitution that Islam is somehow an inferior religion which should not be allowed to exist in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Attorney General's office argued that the word "cultures" in the amendment should be interpreted as "religions". But as the 10th Circuit noted, making this substitution implies that religious law deemed to be part of Oklahoma's local culture would be acceptable in Oklahoma courts, while the laws of other religions would not.
10th Circuit Upholds Injunction Against Oklahoma's "Save Our State" Amendment
The 10th Circuit has upheld the injunction against State Question 755. That is the amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that resulted from politicians pandering to popular xenophobia.
I haven't had the chance to completely read the 37 page opinion from the 10th Circuit yet. But I believe they are right to uphold the injunction, as it is a fundamental violation of liberty to prohibit people from entering into their own agreements solely because of their religious beliefs.
