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In a landmark ruling, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has decided on the legality of a controversial constitutional law amendment that has been the subject of heated debate in the state. The amendment in question, which was passed by a narrow margin in a 2024 referendum, sought to amend the state's constitution to restrict the rights of certain individuals based on their immigration status.The amendment, known as Article XXI, had faced legal challenges almost immediately after its passage, with opponents arguing that it violated both state and federal law. Proponents of the amendment, however, argued that it was necessary to protect the state from what they perceived as a growing threat from undocumented immigrants.In a 6-3 decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Article XXI was unconstitutional, citing the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law in cases of conflict. The Court's majority opinion, written by Chief Justice Sarah Kramer, stated that the amendment violated the rights of individuals guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and therefore could not stand.The decision has been met with both praise and criticism from different quarters. Supporters of the amendment have vowed to continue their fight, while opponents have hailed the Court's decision as a victory for civil rights and the rule of law.In a statement following the ruling, Governor John Smith expressed disappointment but pledged to abide by the Court's decision. "While I may not agree with the Court's ruling, I respect the rule of law and will ensure that it is upheld," he said.The legal battle over Article XXI is likely far from over, as both sides are expected to continue their fight through the courts. For now, however, the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision stands as a significant moment in the state's constitutional history, reaffirming the importance of protecting individuals' rights and upholding the principles of the U.S. Constitution.