For Immediate Release
March 7, 2017
 
Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
405-536-2417
Oklahoma Democratic Party

Tulsa Equality Center Vandalized

OKLAHOMA CITY Statement by Oklahoma Democratic Party Executive Director, Sarah Baker, on the Tulsa Equality Center vandalization:

“The the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, headquarters for Oklahomans for Equality, was vandalized last week . This Tulsa community center is the state’s main organization serving the LGBTQ community in Northeastern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Democratic Party stands with our friends at the Equality Center and its staff and volunteers. We call on people across the state to stand up and speak out against acts of hatred and terrorism such as this and similar acts of vandalism at least three other LGBTQ organizations around the country this past weekend.

“Often these types of events happen in other places and many of us, even in Oklahoma, never imagine that they will happen in our own backyard. This attack comes at a time where our own LGBTQ community is experiencing some of the most vitriolic and systemic hatred in decades. The recent actions of individuals and groups from the extremist far-right is not just a violation of one community; it is a violation of all communities in our state and across our country. This behavior goes against the very fabric of the principles of freedom which we claim to stand for as a nation.

“Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time to stand up and speak out against intolerance. Now is the time to stand up for our friends and neighbors. We must not let actions like this go unnoticed or ignored. We must be vigilant in our efforts to protect those in our community.”

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The mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party is to represent working people in Oklahoma and the best way to accomplish that is to elect Democrats to all areas of government. Oklahoma Democrats are progressive and sensible. We are optimistic about the future, and we are determined to see Oklahoma’s traditional values upheld. More information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party can be found at www.okdlive.wpengine.com or by calling (405) 427-3366.