Oklahoma Capitol Briefs

State’s rights to be on bill

Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City, shown above, said he will file a bill he says will protect Oklahomans from encroachments on speech, assembly and religious beliefs. Oklahoma currently has tough, good laws that include hate crime laws, he said. He said recent federal legislation that includes violence against homosexuals exceeds the powers of government over states as outlined in the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Under Russell’s proposed legislation, Oklahoma courts would bar the admission of any evidence not directly related to a crime when dealing with issues related to speech, assembly and belief.

Vietnam vets get events

Gov. Brad Henry issued a proclamation Thursday declaring that 2010 will be the year of the Vietnam veteran. Community leaders and various military organizations are planning events during the Fourth of July weekend to honor Oklahomans who served in the Vietnam War. Celebrations will be in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman.

Legislator endorsed

Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, shown above, said Thursday that 37 fellow state lawmakers have endorsed his congressional campaign. He is passing up a fourth term to run for Congress. He said the GOP lawmakers, all but three from the House, have endorsed his bid for the 5th Congressional District seat. Several other Republican contenders have said they will file for the post

Free tickets for veterans

The Oklahoma History Center is offering all veterans free admission on Veterans Day. The center, 2401 N Laird Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center, with the National Association for Black Veterans, is presenting a special Veterans Day program focusing on black veterans and the struggles they endured. An exhibit in one of the galleries traces Oklahoma’s military history from the 1830s through the present. The exhibits also include Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to Jack Montgomery and Ruben Rivers.

Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau