Representative Mauree Turner

D

District 88

Hi, I’m Mauree Turner and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 88th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Apr 21, 2023

Turner Selected to Receive Prestigious ACLU Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, is set to receive the American Civil Liberties Union’s Angie Debo Civilian Libertarian of the Year award tomorrow, April 22nd at Metro Tech Business Center in Oklahoma City. The award will be presented at ACLU's annual meeting at 10 a.m. The event is free to everyone and all are invited to attend.  This prestigious award is given to a person or organization that displayed tremendous leadership in protecting the civil liberties of Oklahomans. Rep. Turner will be honored because of their unyielding advocacy for human rights for two-spirit LGBTQ+ Oklahomans and their commitment to criminal justice reform centered around principles of restorative justice. "I have watched this award be presented to tireless fighters, from organizations to individuals, since 2018. However, I never thought I would count myself amongst the ranks of them. It truly is an honor to even be considered for the 2023 ACLU of Oklahoma Angie Debo Civil Libertarian of the Year award." Rep. Turner is the first Muslim elected in Oklahoma, and the first non-binary person elected to a state office in US history. They have worked with the NAACP of Oklahoma, CAIR Oklahoma, Freedom Oklahoma, and a continuously growing number of grassroots organizations in the state. They have championed legislation for accurate and equitable documentation for our community members who live beyond the binary, repealing nuisance laws that gives law enforcement more access to our already vulnerable communities.     -END-

Apr 6, 2023
Recent Posts

Legislative Black Caucus Set to Host 2023 A.C. Hamlin Gala

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Chair, Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, is pleased to announce the 2023 A.C. Hamlin Gala, which will be held at 7 p.m. April 18 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Tickets for the event, normally $75, are on sale for $65 until April 8.  The gala, named after political trailblazer and the first Black member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, A.C. Hamlin, will be a celebration of his life and achievements. The event raises funds for academic scholarships for students attending Oklahoma’s only HBCU – Langston University.  "A.C. Hamlin was an exceptional leader who fought for civil rights and economic justice," Lowe said. "The gala is an opportunity to honor his legacy and raise funds for the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering students at Langston University." The A.C. Hamlin Gala will be an evening to remember, as the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus honors outstanding Oklahomans who have made significant contributions to their communities. The Chairman's Award will recognize an individual who has continued the long march of progress toward a better Oklahoma. In addition, the Media Innovator Award will honor innovative media professionals dedicated to keeping Oklahomans informed. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of exceptional Oklahomans and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The 2023 Chairman's Award winner is Toby Brown, an exceptional Oklahoman who has contributed significantly to the state's progress. Brown has a long history of supporting the community. Brown is also the President of the Toby Brown Realty, a real estate development firm that has played a vital role in the revitalization of Oklahoma City's downtown area. The 2023 Media Innovator Award winners include Carla Hinton, Nehemiah D. Frank, Martha Vaughan, Kevin Perry, Donald R. James II, Clytie Bunyan, and Naomi Keitt. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to journalism and media, helping to shine a light on important issues affecting Oklahomans. Their work spans across print, broadcast, and digital media, and their contributions have had a significant impact on their respective communities. Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus include:  Rep. Jason Lowe, chair Rep. Monroe Nichols, vice chair Sen. Kevin Matthews Sen. George Young Rep. Regina Goodwin Rep. Ajay Pittman Rep. Mauree Turner Join us for dinner and celebration as we recognize these exceptional individuals. Purchase tickets by calling (405)557-7367 or following this link:  2023 A.C. Hamlin Gala .  -END-

Feb 28, 2023

"Having a virus shouldn't be a crime." Rep. Turner Aims to Decriminalize HIV

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, hopes to encourage testing and treatment for HIV in rural Oklahoma by decriminalizing the virus. “It’s simple. Having a virus shouldn’t be a crime. HB 2343 will decriminalize HIV. The current law targets people living with HIV, despite the virus being recognized under the American Disabilities Act,” Rep. Turner said. Last year, Oklahoma was identified as one of seven states in the U.S. with the highest rural HIV burden, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Other states include Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and South Carolina. Under current law, it is a felony offense and punishable by up to five years in prison if a person living with HIV engages in conduct with the intent to transmit the virus to another individual.  Supporters of HB 2343 said prosecutions under this law have resulted in convictions where there was no clear intent to transmit the virus. Rep. Turner said the current law is antiquated, not well-defined and discourages people from getting tested and getting treatment. “HB 2343 could save lives and slow the transmission of HIV in our rural communities.” Rep. Turner said. In 2022, OSDH partnered with the U.S. Department of Health to end the HIV epidemic. The initiative encourages rural Oklahomans to get tested and know their status. The health department is now offering free, at-home rapid self-tests as part of an effort to help decrease the spread of the virus. The free test kits can be ordered online at  testkitrequest@health.ok.gov  and are mailed in a discrete package that also contains resources and information. “HB 2343 would encourage testing and treatment of HIV. New medications and therapies allow everyday Oklahomans living with HIV to lead healthy lives. With proper treatment, the virus can be reduced to undetectable levels which could reduce the rate of transmission and increase the health of our rural communities.” Rep. Turner said. HB 2343 is expected to be heard Wednesday in the Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee.