LAWTON – Three women who disrupted the Lawton City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon with their loud protest against the Westwin Elements’ mineral extraction project were escorted from the council chamber, without incident, by Lawton police.
The three repeatedly shouted “Shut it down!” before police officers politely asked them to either refrain from disrupting the council meeting or leave the premises.
One of the Native American women was heard by a Southwest Ledger reporter telling an officer, “If you touch me that will be a hate crime.”
At least one of the protesters claimed that dirt work at the Westwin site is, or will, disturb Native American gravesites.
After a few minutes of discussion with the officers, the three arose from their seats and left the room.
“The decision to remove the group of individuals who identified themselves as ‘Westwin Resistance’ was not taken lightly,” Mayor Stan Booker wrote in a prepared statement issued later.
“As elected officials, it is our duty to uphold the principles of democracy, but also ensure the safety and decorum of our City Council meetings.
“While we remain open to fostering an open dialogue and recognizing the diverse perspective concerning Westwin Elements, it is imperative that all audience members adhere to respectful conduct standards, as outlined in Council Policy 01-06 and Title 21 Section 280” of Oklahoma State Statutes.
That state law, Booker noted, decrees, “It is unlawful for any person, alone or in concert with others and without authorization, to willfully disturb, interfere or disrupt state business or the business of any political subdivision, which includes publicly posted meetings, or any agency operations or any employee, agent, official or representative of the state or political subdivision.”
“While we value the right to protest peacefully and freedom of expression and speech,” Booker said, “we cannot condone actions that hinder the democratic process, jeopardize the safety of others, or disrupt legitimate business of a public body.