OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Gabe Woolley, R–Broken Arrow, urges the Oklahoma State Senate to consider House Joint Resolution 1084, which he said the measure is intended to ensure that Oklahoma courts remain grounded solely in the Oklahoma Constitution and the United States Constitution.

HJR1084 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Woolley says it would allow voters to decide whether foreign legal systems or foreign legal codes may be considered in Oklahoma court decisions.

"This measure is important because it would amend our state Constitution, and, if passed by voters, judges would be required to base their decisions on the Constitution and the rule of law, not outside legal systems," Woolley said. "This ensures clarity that the governing authority in Oklahoma courtrooms is our state and federal Constitutions."

If the Senate approves the measure and it is passed by the people of Oklahoma, the state would join seven other states that have already enacted laws restricting the use or consideration of foreign legal codes in judicial decisions.

"Other states have already taken steps to make clear that American courts should rely solely on domestic constitutional law and not be influenced by foreign legal systems," Woolley said. "Oklahoma voters should have the same opportunity to decide this issue for themselves."

Woolley added that, as a Republican-led state, Oklahoma should be at the forefront of addressing this issue.

"Given growing concerns about foreign influence, now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law," Woolley said. "I appreciate my colleagues in the House for advancing this resolution, and I am grateful to the thousands of Oklahomans who have engaged with this effort as we work to reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. I urge our friends in the Senate to pass this measure and send it to the people. Oklahomans deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard on this issue."