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He argued Oklahomans don't want their tax dollars to go towards such programming, calling it an "outdated system."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

Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Lauren Boebert speaking to Alex Stein
Prime Time with Alex Stein/Blaze Media

Lauren Boebert Casts Doubt On Moon Landing During Wild Interview With Conspiracy Theorist

Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert was criticized after she seemingly agreed with the conspiracy theory that the moon landing was faked in a wide-ranging interview with conservative conspiracy theorist Alex Stein.

The segment began with the duo casting doubt on nuclear weapons—Boebert even joked about needing "tin foil"—and moved into weirder territory when Stein praised Boebert for "vibing" with him on the topic of the moon landing. Conspiracy theorists have long alleged the moon landing was fabricated by NASA in what they claim was an elaborate hoax.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rosie O'Donnell; Oprah Winfrey
Simon Ackerman/Getty Images; Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah For Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding In Scathing Poem

Among the various celebrity hangers-on who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Venice wedding, the one that seemed to generate the most controversy was Oprah Winfrey.

After all, a woman known for her progressive politics whose entire ethos is about teaching people how to be their best selves, attending the wedding of man who directly funded a fascist regime dismantling our country before our eyes doesn't exactly add up.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lisa Murkowski
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Lisa Murkowski Slammed After Criticizing Massive Budget Bill She Just Voted For

Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski was slammed after she claimed that President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill is "not there yet" despite casting the deciding vote to narrowly pass it before sending it back to the House.

In a marathon voting session, the Senate narrowly passed the legislation in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition.

Keep ReadingShow less
Woman listening to her boyfriend play guitar
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Things People Initially Found Attractive About Their Partner That Now Annoy Them

Being in a relationship can be wonderful, but it's not without its ups and downs.

In order for it to work, we have to allow it to grow and change over time rather than being locked forever into what it was when we first started dating our person.

Keep ReadingShow less