Oklahoma Legislation Targets Foreign Legal Systems and Ownership
New legislation proposed in Oklahoma aims to limit the use of certain foreign laws in state courts and curb foreign ownership of land and critical infrastructure, as reported by lawmakers.
State Representative Gabe Woolley put forward House Joint Resolution 1040, which seeks to prevent Oklahoma courts from implementing Sharia law or other foreign legal frameworks in their rulings. According to a press release, this initiative is intended to maintain adherence to the U.S. Constitution and state laws.
Addressing critics concerned about religious freedom, Woolley stated, “While we acknowledge Americans’ right to practice their faith, this resolution primarily focuses on homeland security and protecting the constitutional rights of Oklahomans, including Muslims. Sharia law is a political ideology disguised as religion; it’s a vehicle used to infiltrate and destabilize free nations like the U.S.” He emphasized the need for a clear stance against its principles.
The Senate version of this proposal, spearheaded by State Sen. David Bullard, is simultaneously moving through the Senate as Senate Joint Resolution 15. This proposal directs the Secretary of State to present constitutional amendments to voters, seeking to revise Article VII, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution.
The proposed measure asserts that no state court or political entity is allowed to acknowledge or enforce any foreign religious code or legal system that contradicts Oklahoma or U.S. Constitutions. It further declares any foreign laws that do not safeguard the same rights and freedoms as those guaranteed by these constitutions as incompatible.
The resolution includes a ballot title clarifying that it restricts courts and government entities from recognizing any foreign statutes or practices that violate state or federal constitutions, posing the question of voter approval for the amendment.
Bullard remarked, “Since America’s inception, there have been attempts from other cultures to undermine our freedoms. We serve as an example of the liberties they wish to dismantle. We will not concede. The American ethos demands we stand for what is just, regardless of opposition. This threat is persistent. Foreign laws that challenge our Christian legacy of freedom aim to distort our legal systems.” He called for a constitutional commitment to reject anything threatening to disrupt the foundations of governance.
Meanwhile, State Sen. Warren Hamilton has introduced various bills focusing on land ownership and strategic assets. Senate Bill 1679, named the Oklahoma Values Preservation Act, proposes measures to fortify the state’s sovereignty and limit foreign meddling. Senate Bill 1672 seeks to restrict foreign ownership of land in Oklahoma, while Senate Bill 1963 safeguards critical land and infrastructure against foreign control.
“This is America…You need to be American to own any of it. Allowing foreign companies to have ownership here is unpatriotic,” Hamilton stated.
State Sen. Julie McIntosh has also introduced Senate Bill 1784, which would prohibit ownership and influence from terrorist organizations in Oklahoma. This bill is designed to prevent hostile foreign enterprises from gaining a financial or organizational foothold in the state.
McIntosh commented, “This legislation protects Oklahomans while respecting the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It clearly delineates legal boundaries. Peaceful expression and lawful association remain intact, while taxpayer resources should not support terrorism. We can prioritize public safety without sacrificing the freedoms that define our nation.”
In another effort, State Sen. Michael Bergstrom has introduced Senate Bill 1486. This bill aims to classify the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as domestic terrorist organizations under state law, addressing concerns about foreign ideological and organizational influences within the U.S.
