Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Oklahoma Gov. Vetoes PBS Funding Because 'Clifford' 'Indocrinates Kids' With Lesbian Characters

Kevin Stitt; Clifford the Big Red Dog
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images; PBS

GOP Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a routine bill funding the Oklahoma Education Television Authority, saying it 'overly sexualizes our kids.'

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is facing backlash after vetoing a routine bill that would have provided funding to OETA, the state's PBS TV station, through 2026.

The reason for the veto is due to some PBS programs' acknowledgment of the existence of LGBTQ+ people, which the governor referred to as "indoctrination."


He argued Oklahomans don't want their tax dollars to go towards such programming, calling it an "outdated system."

Stitt said:

“I don’t think Oklahomans want to use their tax dollars to indoctrinate kids. And some of the stuff that they’re showing, it just overly sexualizes our kids. There are parents defending child transition on PBS that’s being played. There’s elevating LGBTQIA2S+ voices.” ...
“If you want to watch that, that’s fine, but why am I using taxpayer dollars to prop that up? I don’t think we need that, and I’m glad to veto that bill.”

Stitt's spokeswoman cited examples of this "indoctrination," including Pride Month programming, a PBS Newshour segment featuring the parents of a trans child, and two children's cartoons that included lesbian characters, including Work it out Wombats! and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Despite this, the most significant impact of the veto would be the loss of the state's safety systems, which are managed by OETA. These systems include tornado warnings and Amber Alerts.

Ken Busby, a board member at Friends of OETA, criticized the governor's decision, pointing out that "no civilization since the Norman Conquest in 1066" has survived without supporting arts and culture. He also stated people should be given the choice to watch what they wish and the station serves a diverse population.

The governor's decision caused concern among parents, who fear losing the channel. OETA is the most-watched PBS station in the country and serves a diverse population. It would take two-thirds of the state legislature to override Stitt's veto, and if they fail to do so by July 1, the funding will sunset, putting OETA at risk of shutting down.

Bob Spinks, another Friends of OETA board member, noted without the bill's approval, the station would shut down since one-third of its funding comes from the government, and the state holds the station's license.

Many have condemned Stitt's move.








Stitt's veto is not the only recent attack on the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma.

On Monday, the governor signed S.B. 613, which bans all forms of gender-affirming care for anyone under 18, making it a felony for doctors to provide this care to trans youth, and allowing prosecution of healthcare professionals until their patients turn 45.

In a news release, Stitt said he is "thrilled to sign this into law today and protect our kids" and said he is "proud to stand up for what’s right and ban life-altering transition surgeries on children in the state of Oklahoma.”

More from News/lgbtq

Karoline Leavitt and Scott Bessent
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Karoline Leavitt Dragged After Making Mind-Numbing Claim About Trump's Tariffs Reversal

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is getting called out after she attempted to justify President Donald Trump's sudden reversal on his proposed tariffs, telling reporters that his actions make sense because he has a master plan to make the world bend the knee.

Trump declared a full 90-day suspension of all the “reciprocal” tariffs that took effect at midnight April 10—except for those on China—in a dramatic about-face from a president who had long championed his historically high tariff rates as permanent.

Keep ReadingShow less
religion signs
Noah Holm on Unsplash

People Explain What Stopped Them From Going To Church Anymore

There's been a perception of a bit of an exodus from religion for the last several decades. But humanity has gone from no organized religions to oppressive religious regimes to rebellion and back again over the last several millennia.

But is the 21st century when religion finally fails to bounce back?

Keep ReadingShow less
Jojo Siwa; Mickey Rourke
ITV

Mickey Rourke Reprimanded After Indirectly Aiming Anti-Gay Slur At JoJo Siwa On 'Celebrity Big Brother'

Dance Moms dancer, Nickelodeon child star, singer, and reality TV staple Jojo Siwa had a rough few months in 2024 over some problematic comments and behavior.

But 2025 is looking brighter as the public rallies to her defense.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barack and Michelle Obama
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Michelle Obama Expertly Shuts Down Baseless Rumors That She And Barack Are Divorcing

Speaking on Sophia Bush's Work in Progress podcast, former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed rumors that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, were getting a divorce.

Obama addressed the recent divorce rumors for the first time, while also reflecting on the personal choices she’s made since departing the White House in 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kristi Noem
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Kristi Noem Ripped Over Her Lack Of Gun-Handling Skills While Cosplaying As ICE Agent

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was criticized after she had an ICE officer seemingly dodging her aim after she pointed a gun towards his head while filming a video.

In a 20-second video posted to X on Tuesday, Kristi Noem stands flanked by two Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, brandishing a gun. Wearing a vest marked "ICE," along with dark cargo pants and a cap, Noem addresses the camera while the two agents remain silent beside her—though some X users expressed concern for the safety of one of them.

Keep ReadingShow less