Lawmaker says GOP Assaulting Women's Rights

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Democratic state senator and a state party official say Republicans are assaulting the rights of women with proposals such as the now-defeated "personhood" bill and a proposal asking voters to wipe out affirmative action programs.

Sen. Constance Johnson on Tuesday called the proposals "insulting to women."

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Wallace Collins said proposed legislation to exempt out-of-state insurance companies from covering procedures such as mammograms, pelvic exams and maternity care would eliminate gains made in health care coverage.

An author of the legislation — which is now in a conference committee — and a spokesman for Gov. Mary Fallin did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Johnson and Collins spoke at a news conference where they also called for the re-election of President Barack Obama.