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In a landmark decision for civil rights in Oklahoma, Governor Sarah Thompson signed a bill into law on Wednesday that expands protections for the LGBTQ+ community in the state. The bill, known as the Equality Act, adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Oklahoma Civil Rights Act, granting LGBTQ+ individuals the same rights and protections as other marginalized groups.This historic move comes after years of advocacy and activism from LGBTQ+ rights organizations and allies in the state. Supporters of the bill gathered outside the state capitol building in Oklahoma City to celebrate the victory and thank Governor Thompson for her support.The Equality Act is set to have a far-reaching impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Oklahoma. It prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. This means that LGBTQ+ individuals will no longer be at risk of losing their job, being denied housing, or facing discrimination in public spaces simply because of who they are.Governor Thompson, who has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights throughout her time in office, praised the passage of the bill as a crucial step towards equality and justice for all Oklahomans. In a statement, she said, "Today, we have taken a significant step towards ensuring that every person in our state is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This law sends a powerful message that discrimination has no place in Oklahoma."The passing of the Equality Act has been met with widespread support from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including the Oklahoma LGBTQ+ Rights Coalition and the Human Rights Campaign. "This is a historic day for the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma," said Jenna Mitchell, executive director of the Oklahoma LGBTQ+ Rights Coalition. "We are thrilled to see our state take a stand against discrimination and make clear that everyone deserves to be treated equally under the law."The impact of the Equality Act is already being felt across the state, with LGBTQ+ individuals and allies celebrating the newfound protections and opportunities for equality. With the signing of this bill, Oklahoma joins a growing number of states that have expanded civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all Oklahomans.