Talking Points Memo has news about that State that prays for the fossil fuel industry. Now they want to tell you how to run your life while you’re heading for the toilette:
Oklahoma plans to force hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and public schools to post signs inside public restrooms directing pregnant women where to receive services as part of an effort to reduce abortions in the state.
The State Board of Health will consider regulations for the signs on Tuesday. Businesses and other organizations will have to pay an estimated $2.3 million to put up the signs because the Legislature didn’t approve any money for them.
The provision for the signs was tucked into a law that the Legislature passed this year that requires the state to develop informational material “for the purpose of achieving an abortion-free society.” The signs must be posted by January 2018.
Groups representing hospitals and restaurants are among those complaining that the new requirements are an expensive, unfunded mandate from the Legislature.
Yep. Not only will they force their views on a controversial issue down your throat using governmental imprimatur, but they won’t even pay for the privilege. Perhaps they think the courts will let them get away with this if they aren’t using taxpayer money directly – only indirectly.
Hunter @ The Daily Kos points out that Oklahoma is one of least supportive states for post-natal services, in a teasing bit of mockery.
UPDATE: TPM reports the proposed law has been abandoned in favor of an amendment that would …
… require the signs only at abortion providers and would direct the state Department of Health to launch a social media campaign on how to avoid abortions.
Perhaps they should offer free condoms, instead. It’s not as sexy, but more effective.
