Yup, it’s OK to mutilate your body in Oklahoma City…

Last Wednesday, the Legislature gave final approval to a bill that legalizes the tattoo industry, making Oklahoma City the ONLY state that prohibits this trade.

The Senate voted 29-15 for the measure, leaving it now to the hands of Gov. Brad Henry.

”Public health officials have urged the governor to sign the legislation so they can legalize and regulate the practice, and he is inclined to do so,” said Paul Sund, spokesperson of Gov. Brad Henry.

The industry was banned in 1963, but some tattoo artists have operated businesses under slack enforcement and no health regulations.

That’s why Sen. Frank Shurden, a Democrat and the bill’s principal author, said it was a public health issue to lift the ban, even though some legislators found the practice distasteful. – Yahoo! News

”Are tattoos illegally taking place? Yes, they are. Is it a healthy environment? No, it isn’t,” Sen. Frank Shurden said.

Anthony Padgett opened a tattoo parlor with his wife in Oklahoma City suburb of Bethany in January. He claims that his tattoo parlor has no problems whatsoever in complying with the new health regulations.

”We’re thrilled. We’ve been waiting for this for years. It’s about time,” Rhiannon Padgett, Anthony Padgett’s wife, said.

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