Cross Country
Tattoo Taboo Lifted by Sooner State
Oklahoma is famous outlaw country. But until last week, it didn't take much to be branded a fugitive. Like creating an "I love Mom" tattoo. After decades of tumult over the morality of body art, Oklahoma bowed to public pressure last Wednesday by becoming the last state to legalize a ritual commonly shared by sorority girls and Hells Angels. The new law comes as a relief to the state's underground tattoo artists, some of whom have done time for their illicit activities.
In Oklahoma City, lawmakers did the about-face after persistent arguments that prohibition had put needles in the hands of unlicensed ink slingers. Now tattoo artists will be forced to abide by public-health standards and learn proper technique. However, no tax dollars will be spent on inspecting and licensing tattoo parlors. Rather, the funds will come from fees paid by the business owners.
With Angie C. Marek, Bret Schulte, Will Sullivan, Silla Brush and Associated Press
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