Families deserve more than OK Freedom Caucus’ narrow agenda

Your Turn

Christy Taylor

Guest columnist

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus claims to represent the values of everyday Oklahomans, but their recent legislative proposals reveal a troubling disconnect between their stated mission and their actual priorities.

While Oklahoma families struggle with real issues like child care deserts and economic opportunity, our self-appointed 'freedom fighters' are busy crafting monuments to divisive figures and imposing their narrow religious worldview on all Oklahomans.

The Freedom Caucus’ rush to honor Charlie Kirk with mandatory memorial plazas on every public university campus exemplifies their misplaced priorities. Sen. Shane Jett filed legislation requiring universities to build Kirk memorials, establish 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' and officially honor the conservative activist in the Legislature.

These proposals aren’t just expensive mandates for cash-strapped universities — they whitewash Kirk’s legacy of divisive rhetoric. Kirk was known for anti-LGBTQ+ views, provocative statements about race, and stances critics labeled as racist, sexist and homophobic.

The Freedom Caucus’ version of 'freedom' consistently excludes anyone who doesn’t share their particular brand of Christianity. They introduced a Senate Resolution proclaiming 'Christ is king' in Oklahoma and support state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters’ mandate requiring Bibles in classrooms. Despite claims about historical context, Walters’ guidelines direct teachers to integrate the New King James Version into lessons — religious indoctrination funded by taxpayer dollars.

While obsessing over religious monuments, the Freedom Caucus opposes practical solutions to problems facing Oklahoma families. About 55% of Oklahoma is considered a child care desert, forcing many parents to leave their jobs. Yet Freedom Caucus members opposed child care tax credits.

Their reasoning reveals troubling paternalism. Rep. Jim Olsen argued that 'we should not jump into it as government and essentially give an incentive for the woman to leave her home and leave her children and go out to work somewhere.' This pattern of extreme positions extends to their stance on vulnerable children — Olsen has ardently defended the practice of administering corporal punishment on disabled children. This isn’t about family values — it’s imposing a specific lifestyle on families who may not have the luxury of single-income households.

The Freedom Caucus’ governance mirrors dysfunction from their federal counterparts. In other states, Freedom Caucus chapters stall non-controversial bills to push policies further right, viewing losing as winning if they can expose 'fake Republicans.' They’ve been so disruptive that Republican leaders in Missouri and South Carolina stripped them of power or parking privileges.

Oklahoma deserves legislators who prioritize practical governance over ideological purity. Instead of mandatory religious monuments, we need investment in education and economic development. Instead of restricting women’s choices about work and family, we need policies supporting all families.

The Freedom Caucus may wrap their agenda in freedom rhetoric, but their actions reveal something different: Using government power to impose their religious beliefs on everyone else. That’s not freedom — that’s theocracy.

Oklahoma families deserve representatives focused on real daily challenges, not building monuments to divisive figures or proclaiming religious supremacy. We need leaders who understand that freedom means protecting everyone’s right to live according to their own values, not just those sharing the Freedom Caucus’ narrow worldview.

It’s time for the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus to start representing all Oklahomans or step aside for those who will.

Christy Taylor is an Oklahoma voter and community advocate who believes in transparent, accountable government that serves all citizens regardless of their religious or political beliefs.