OCPA statement on Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s proposed rule 2019-02
Dec. 17, 2018
Note to media: OCPA has video available at request to media of the Oklahoma Ethics
Commission meeting from Dec. 14, 2018, where proposed rule 2019-02 was discussed.
Responding to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s proposed rule 2019-02, which would
classify as “indirect lobbying” even casual conversations about legislation and could
require organizations to publish membership lists, Jonathan Small, president of the
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), released the following statement:
“As an Oklahoman who happens to be black, I am appalled that the Ethics Commission
is trying to do what racist government officials attempted in the 1950s.
“In the Jim Crow era, Alabama and Florida officials wanted to force the NAACP to turn
over membership lists. Today, the Ethics Commission wants to force similar organizations
to turn over the names, addresses, and employers of their supporters.
“People who support pro-life causes or pro-abortion causes, those who want the
Legislature to pass constitutional carry and those who demand more gun restrictions—
anyone who works with or supports an organization that cares about Oklahoma law would
be regulated and outed by this proposed rule.
“Thankfully, the Supreme Court in 1958 and 1963 found that such actions violate the
Fourteenth Amendment. Freedom of speech and association, and to petition our
government, are protected by our federal and state constitutions. These freedoms include
the right to do these things without having the Ethics Commission post your name, home
address, and employer online.”
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David Autry
Communications Manager
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs
1401 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104
David@ocpathink.org
Office: 405.602.1667
Cell: 918.809.8483