For Immediate Release: April 18, 2007

Senator Williamson ‘Shocked’ by Henry’s Veto of Pro-Life Legislation

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – On the same day the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on partial-birth abortions, Gov. Brad Henry took the opposite track on the abortion issue in the State of Oklahoma, vetoing bipartisan legislation that prohibits state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions. The bill also requires abortionists to file reports with the state to ensure they are following Oklahoma’s laws requiring parental notification and informed consent.

“I am stunned and shocked by Gov. Henry’s veto of this bipartisan legislation. Now that he has been re-elected, we’re starting to see the real Brad Henry – and we’re seeing that he is neither a moderate nor is he bipartisan,” said Sen. James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, author of SB 714.

SB 714 overwhelmingly passed both the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives with more than two-thirds of the vote in each chamber, but the bill has been the target of a misinformation campaign by abortion advocates in recent days.

“Sadly, the governor has chosen to keep the State of Oklahoma in the abortion business. Given the fact that more than two-thirds of legislators voted for SB 714, I am very hopeful we’ll have enough support to override this veto in both the Senate and the House,” Williamson stated.

32 votes are needed in the Senate to override a gubernatorial veto; 68 votes are needed in the House of Representatives.

SENATE VOTE IN FAVOR OF SB 714:
32 to 16 (April 11, 2007)

HOUSE VOTE IN FAVOR OF SB 714:
73 to 22 (April 3, 2007)

For more information contact:
Senator Williamson's Office: (405) 521-5624