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Local Black Excellence: Mauree Turner
Mauree Rajah Salima Turner (They/Them/Theirs), originally from Ardmore, OK, is the current Representative for Oklahoma’s 88th House District in Oklahoma City and identifies as a Queer, Non-binary, Okie Muslim.
They are the first Muslim elected in Oklahoma, and the first non-binary person elected to a state-level position in United States history; Mauree deeply understands why equitable and accurate representation matters. This has led them to work with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Oklahoma, the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) Oklahoma, Freedom Oklahoma, and a continuously growing number of grassroots organizations in the state.
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Since working in and around Oklahoma's criminal legal system Mauree came to the realization: it's not about reform, but about reimagining and rebuilding our justice system, with our communities in mind.
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, started community conversations about why it's important to focus on alternatives to incarceration and much more.
Bills Filed By Rep. Turner This Session:
HB2341: Informing juries of the range of sentences prior to opening statements (Criminal Justice Committee)
HB2342: Eliminating the requirement of Public Notification for name changes. (General Government Committee)
HB2344: Modifying voting procedures to allow for Oklahomans with disabilities to receive balloting materials electronically. (Elections & Ethics Committee)
