[2004] Letter from Dennis R. Neill to Oklahoma Legislatures on Same-Gender Civil Unions
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Dennis Neill
3019 S. Boston Court
Tulsa, OK 74114
918-743-4354 (Home) 918-591-1010 (Office)
February 2, 2004
The Honorable Penny Williams
Oklahoma State Senator
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Room #417A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Re: Same-gender civil unions
Dear Senator Williams:
I am pleased to see comments in the press recently that the Oklahoma Democratic leadership recognizes that the Legislature has much more important business to attend to than the divisive bills introduced by various House and Senate members on same-gender civil unions. While I come from the position that such unions should be permitted as a basic individual right and liberty, it is also important that the state of Oklahoma not once again be labeled as backward and bigoted. This is not the image we need if we want to develop real economic opportunity for our citizens. As the two enclosed articles note, the states and cities which support a progressive and diverse work environment –including their gay and lesbian citizens - are the ones who will most likely move forward in their economic development.
We should also be supportive of the thousands of Oklahoma families who have gay children or other relatives – and simply wish to have the same rights and responsibilities as of the rest of the population. We certainly do not want to codify in our state or federal constitutions examples of blatant bigotry, a legacy which would be ashamed of for generations to come. Instead, let’s take a deep breath – and pursue the real issues that mean a better quality of life for all.
Sincerely,
Dennis R. Neill