Mauree Turner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mauree Turner
Turner in 2020
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 88th district
In office January 2021 – November 20, 2024
Preceded by	Jason Dunnington
Succeeded by	Ellen Pogemiller
Personal details
Born	Mauree Nivek Rajah Salima Turner 1992/1993 (age 31–32) Ardmore, Oklahoma, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Oklahoma State University

Mauree Nivek Rajah Salima Turner (born in 1992 or 1993) is an American politician and community leader. They are a member of the Democratic Party. Turner served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2021 to 2024. They made history as the first openly non-binary person to serve as a U.S. state lawmaker. Turner is also the first Muslim person to be a member of the Oklahoma Legislature.

Turner grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Their family had both Muslim and Baptist beliefs. They went to Ardmore High School and then Oklahoma State University. Before becoming a lawmaker, Turner worked to help their community. They were on the board of the Council on American–Islamic Relations. They also led projects for justice reform with the American Civil Liberties Union.

Early Life and Education

Mauree Turner grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. They went to Ardmore High School. Turner is a Muslim. Their family had both Baptist and Muslim beliefs. They sometimes received help with food from a government program. Turner later graduated from Oklahoma State University.

Helping the Community

Turner has always been active in helping people. They were a board member for the Council on American–Islamic Relations. This group works to protect the rights of Muslim Americans. Turner also led a project called "Campaigning for Smart Justice." This project was part of the American Civil Liberties Union. It focused on making the justice system fairer. In 2022, Turner joined the board of GLSEN. This organization works to support LGBTQ+ students' rights.

Serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives

First Term (2021-2022)

In the 2020 elections, Mauree Turner ran for a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. They ran as a Democrat for District 88. This area is in Central Oklahoma City. Turner's campaign focused on making the justice system better. They also wanted to improve public education and raise the minimum wage.

Turner won the primary election against the person who held the seat before. They were supported by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar. In the main election, Turner won by a large amount. They defeated the Republican candidate, Kelly Barlean. Turner received about 71% of the votes. They were also supported by Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Turner became the first openly non-binary state lawmaker in the U.S. They were also the first Muslim member of the Oklahoma Legislature. During their first term, Turner spoke out against several bills. These bills were seen as unfair to LGBT people. They especially worked against bills that would stop transgender athletes from playing sports. Turner felt that the legislature was not always welcoming. They said that some lawmakers "want to legislate from a place of bigotry, or a place of fear." None of the fourteen bills Turner suggested were discussed by the Republican-led Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Second Term (2023-2024)

Turner was reelected in the 2022 elections. They served in the 59th Oklahoma Legislature. In 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma spoke out. They criticized the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This was because the House did not consider Turner's ideas. Turner wanted to make the dress code rules for lawmakers gender neutral. On April 3, 2024, Turner announced they would not run for a third term. They decided to retire due to health reasons.

House Censure

On February 28, 2023, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill. This bill would stop certain medical care for transgender children. During protests that day, something happened. A protester reportedly threw water on another lawmaker. This protester also had a physical interaction with a police officer. The protester then went into Turner's office. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Turner would not open the office door.

On March 7, the Republican-controlled Oklahoma House voted. They voted to officially criticize, or censure, Representative Turner. They were also removed from their committee jobs. This would last until they sent a written apology. Turner said they did nothing wrong. They stated, "I just provide my office as space of grace and love for all the folks... that seek refuge from the hate in this building." They refused to apologize. Turner said, "I think an apology for loving the people of Oklahoma is something that I cannot do."

Democrats in the Oklahoma House criticized the censure. They said no investigation was done first. They also pointed out that Turner had not broken any laws. They noted that some Republican lawmakers facing serious accusations had not been censured.

Personal Life

Mauree Turner identifies as queer and non-binary. They use they/them pronouns. In their 2022 reelection campaign, they were supported by the Oklahoma City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Images for kids

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  Turner in 2020