A proposed bill by Oklahoma Republican state representative JJ Humphrey has triggered widespread backlash as it categorizes individuals of Hispanic descent as "terrorists." The legislation, identified as HB 3133, ostensibly aims to address issues like drug and human trafficking, proposing severe penalties for those engaged in such activities deemed as "acts of terrorism."
Under the bill, individuals found guilty of these offenses would face the forfeiture of all their assets, including property, vehicles, and money. Notably, the definition of a terrorist, according to the bill, includes "any person who is of Hispanic descent living within the state of Oklahoma," alongside categories such as "a member of a criminal street gang" and someone "convicted of a gang-related offense."
The proposal has garnered fierce criticism, with State Senator Michael Brooks, vice-chair of the senate's minority caucus and founder of the Oklahoma Latino Legislative Caucus, expressing his dismay. Brooks argued that such legislation, which treats people differently based on race or ethnicity, only deepens existing divides, deeming the bill fatally flawed with uncertain prospects for improvement.
Social media became a platform for Oklahomans to voice their outrage, with one user commenting, "Tell us you're racist without telling us you're racist…"
Facing the backlash, Humphrey offered an apology but subsequently stood by his position. He stated, "I apologize for using the word Hispanic, but I was not wrong. Again, these are Hispanic. Reality is they are Hispanic. There's nothing to be ashamed of." Humphrey indicated his intent to revisit the bill, considering changing the language from "Hispanic" to "undocumented here illegally, or something like that."
If the bill secures passage in the Republican-controlled legislature, it would become law and take effect on November 1. As of now, Humphrey has not responded to requests for further comment.