Pro-Life Bills Headed to Governor

Source: Bunny Chambers of Oklahoma Eagle Forum

Human Cloning Ban Clears House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to ban human cloning easily cleared the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

“This is an important measure that protects research but doesn’t compromise our morals,” said House Speaker Chris Benge , R-Tulsa.

“The idea that we would allow the creation of human embryos through cloning crosses an ethical line and violates our most basic values,” said state Rep. Pam Peterson , R-Tulsa.

House Bill 1114, by Peterson, makes it illegal “for any person or entity, public or private, to perform or attempt to perform human cloning; participate in an attempt to perform human cloning; ship, transfer, or receive the product of human cloning for any purpose;: and “import the product of human cloning for any purpose.”

The legislation would not restrict scientific research involving the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells, tissues, organs, plants, or animals.

“This legislation is carefully crafted to prevent cloning to create human lives while still allowing other forms of research,” Peterson said. “This is a common-sense measure that has received strong bipartisan support.”

House Bill 1114 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on an 83-0 vote today. The Senate quickly did the same and the measure now goes to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature.

Lamb, Senate Endorse Sanctity of Life

Oklahoma City—The Oklahoma State Senate approved two pro-life measures by Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb on Friday , advancing both to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1595 prohibits a person from performing an abortion solely because of the sex of the child and creates the Statistical Reporting of Abortions Act, which requires physicians who perform abortions to report certain information to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). This legislation passed the Senate with a 35-9 vote.

House Bill 1114 prohibits human cloning in Oklahoma and makes it a misdemeanor to perform or attempt to perform human cloning. This piece of pro-life legislation passed the Senate unanimously.

Each bill received overwhelming bipartisan support from both chambers, which Lamb applauds saying the Legislature is standing up for Oklahoma values.

“ Oklahoma families across our state value the sanctity of life and chose to elect those who share this sacred ideal,” said Lamb. “Twenty-three countries throughout the world have already banned attempts to clone humans, and Oklahoma is the sixth state in our nation to ban human cloning. Life is too often taken for granted, and the Legislature has sent a message today that says we stand up for life and the protection of the unborn.”

Jones Calls on Democrats and Governor to Follow the Rules

http://www.okgop.com/NewsBack.aspx?guid=5d8bcff4-67bd-4719-b9f7-ace4721ef24b

10.07.2008
Jones Calls on Democrats and Governor to Follow the Rules
by Oklahoma Republican Party

Whether the Young Democrats Are Democrat Affiliates or Not, Henry's Contribution Was IllegalOklahoma City, Oklahoma: Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones today renewed his call to Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democrats, to join him in fighting ethical lapses in Oklahoma elections. "Earlier this year, I asked Chairman Ivan Holmes of the Oklahoma Democrats to join me and attend an ethics commission meeting in order to work together for Ethics Reform in Oklahoma Elections," Jones said. "Chairman Holmes agreed to attend, and in fact we attended the next meeting together." "Since that time Chairman Holmes has been more than eager to point out when he felt there were areas Oklahoma Republicans needed to be examined," Jones continued. "I appreciate Chairman Holmes keeping us on our toes and watching to make sure we follow the rules." "Since Chairman Holmes has taken seriously my request that rules be followed. I'm sure he and his party wouldn't intentionally break the rules," Jones asserted. Earlier this week, the Tulsa World reported that, in 2007, Governor Brad Henry made a $5000 transfer from his campaign to the Oklahoma Young Democrats; Ivan Holmes accused Representative Reynolds of not having his facts straight, arguing that because the Young Democrats are affiliated with the state party, the contributions are perfectly fine. "It's time for Chairman Holmes and the Democrats to understand they can't have it both ways," Jones declared. "If the Young Democrats are indeed an affiliate of the Oklahoma Democrats, then, coupled with his previous $5000 donation to the Oklahoma Democrats, Governor Henry exceeded the legal contribution limits. If the Oklahoma Young Democrats are not an affiliate of the Oklahoma Democrats, the contribution is illegal." "The same two questions apply to Bob Lemon, who gave $5000 to both organizations, and possibly others as well," Jones continued. "Chairman Holmes, I suggest that if you believe in Oklahoma's ethical campaign rules that you start with your organization and its affiliates. I would be happy to join you in asking for an Ethics Commission investigation into this situation," Jones concluded.CONTACT: Communications Director Patrick Moir (405) 528-3501 office patrick@okgop.com