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He argued Oklahomans don't want their tax dollars to go towards such programming, calling it an "outdated system."
\u201cOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt bizarrely claimed PBS programming "overly sexualizes our kids." (via The ReidOut Blog) https://t.co/n7T4IQ0L7I\u201d— MSNBC (@MSNBC) 1683108020
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.
\u201cLittle Kevin DeSantis\u2026. Now we know what this is about.\n\nhttps://t.co/E4ngHoluGU\u201d— The Oklahoma Project (@The Oklahoma Project) 1682870271
\u201cKevin Stitt claims PBS, OETA 'overly sexualizes our kids'\n\nSometimes it\u2019s best to just let a fool keep talking. Good article showing the absurdity of this administration. https://t.co/tqqCEhPrET\u201d— SoonerAtty (@SoonerAtty) 1682857043
\u201cGOP governor rejects funding for PBS because Clifford the dog "indoctrinates" kids. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) is trying to strip funding from the state\u2019s PBS TV station because it acknowledges LGBTQ+ people.\ud83e\udd2c "How has Clifford affected your offspring!\u201d— Sumner (@Sumner) 1683067428
\u201cOETA is a lifeline to rural communities. I really just cannot understand his endgame here. It's idiotic \ud83e\udd26\u200d\u2640\ufe0fOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday that he vetoed the OETA reauthorization bill because the public broadcaster indoctrinates children. https://t.co/h0VW1wSE32\u201d— Amanda Manuel (@Amanda Manuel) 1682869636
\u201cOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) rejects funding for PBS because Clifford the dog "indoctrinates" kids.\u00a0Wow. Republicans are paranoid people.\u00a0A cartoon dog is indoctrinating kids ? Lol. \ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\u00a0It was my daughter's favorite cartoon when she was little. \ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23 #Voteblue2024\u00a0!\u2026\u201d— \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8MC_Tagada94566\ud83d\udc94\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udeabDMs=Block\ud83d\ude21\ud83d\udeab (@\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8MC_Tagada94566\ud83d\udc94\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udeabDMs=Block\ud83d\ude21\ud83d\udeab) 1683060269
\u201cJust a reminder that OETA is one of the few things that Oklahoma is actually Top 10 in.\n\nOETA is nationally recognized as one of the best PBS stations IN THE NATION, but Kevin Stitt doesn\u2019t like it so I guess that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d— Kendall Brown (@Kendall Brown) 1682782242
\u201cKevin Stitt claims PBS, OETA 'overly sexualizes our kids'\n\nPublic Broadcasting? Clearly Stitt is not fit for office.\nOklahomans, if you love OETA & PBS, you must VOTE Better!\n#FreshResists\n#wtpBLUE https://t.co/MXvcBHdsGc\u201d— OKIEJo (@OKIEJo) 1682864303
\u201c"Gov. Kevin Stitt claimed PBS 'overly sexualizes our kids'"\nIf it would occur to someone that Clifford the Big Red Dog "overly sexualizes our kids" they have...um...issues And need an internet browser check stat\u201d— karl m koons (@karl m koons) 1683152663
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.”
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