Last Updated on February 9, 2023, 3:19 PM | Published: February 9, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY (State Capitol) — Peaceful demonstrations and rallies are a common sight at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Early last February, hundreds of anti-abortion activists arrived at the Capitol building to advocate for bills outlawing the procedure. Six weeks later, demonstrators opposing turnpike expansion in Norman filled the halls of the Capitol to express their frustration to lawmakers.
You don’t need to be a lawmaker or state employee, possess a media credential or have another special connection to enter the Capitol building. The building is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Each visitor must pass through a metal detector upon entering the building.
Dozens of national conservative commentators and figures, from Ben Shapiro to Donald Trump Jr., appeared to miss that context when commenting on Monday’s protest from transgender rights activists inside the Capitol.
Social media posts comparing the demonstration to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol went viral, insinuating that mainstream media outlets treat conservative protestors unfairly.
Several reporters and lawmakers who were at the Capitol have debunked claims that transgender rights activists overtook the building. In a tweet posted Wednesday morning, Senate Majority Floor Leader Greg McCortney said he never felt unsafe and the group was not unusually loud or disruptive.
Daniel Seitz, communications director for the House Republican Caucus, posted a statement noting that there were no reported unlawful incidents and that any national narrative saying otherwise is false.
If you plan on going to the Capitol to speak with legislators, attend a hearing or advocate for an issue, touchscreen computers in the first-floor lobby area can help direct you. Free guest parking is available directly south of the Capitol building.
Published in partnership with Oklahoma Watch under Creative Commons license. Free Press publishes this report as a collaborative effort to provide the best coverage of state issues that affect our readers.
Keaton Ross is a Report for America corps member who covers prison conditions and criminal justice issues for Oklahoma Watch. Contact him at (405) 831-9753 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @_KeatonRoss
