Anderson files measure to construct Bill of Rights monument at Capitol

Sunday, Dec. 15, will mark the 222nd anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. In recognition of that anniversary, numerous Oklahoma lawmakers have joined as co-authors of a non-partisan effort to recognize the significance of the Bill of Rights through the filing of Senate Bill 1159.
SB 1159 would allow a monument recognizing the importance of the Bill of Rights to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol. Costs associated with the project would be paid for with private donations.

Sen. Patrick Anderson, principal author of the bill, said 29 additional legislators have joined as co-authors of the proposal.

“This is a unifying project that Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate have embraced,” said Anderson, R-Enid. “It is my hope that all 149 members of the Legislature will join as co-authors of this measure by the time the bill reaches the Governor’s desk.”

Anderson’s proposal is part of a nationwide effort by The Bill of Rights Monument Project, a 501(c)3 charity, to place similar monuments on the grounds of every State Capitol. Arizona dedicated the first monument to the Bill of Rights at their State Capitol on Dec. 15, 2012.

“The Bill of Rights represents the most significant declaration of individual rights and liberties that has ever been written by man. It establishes the fundamental principles and philosophy upon which our government is based, and it is therefore essential that we recognize its importance for generations to come through the establishment of this monument,” Anderson said. “We live in the greatest nation in the world in large part because of the individual freedoms that are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. That is what I want every Oklahoman to remember when they visit our State Capitol and view this monument.”