Unless the reforms in the Marriage Freedom Bill are acted upon, the ministers of Oklahoma risk a federal civil rights lawsuit for not preforming homosexual wedding ceremonies. That's the concern of Rep. Todd Russ (R-Cordell). He reports that his Marriage Freedom Bill (HB1418) is being refused a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. Rep Chris Kannady (R-OKC) is the chairman. This is current bill by the licensed Pentecostal minister from Western Oklahoma did pass the House 2 years ago with broad support, but was held up in the senate, pending the US Supreme Court ruling on Oklahoma's Marriage Amendment. Sadly, the last senate never resumed the process of bringing the bill (HB 1123, of 2015) to the senate floor for a final vote. Rep. Russ's bill would spare any minister from potential civil or statutory action for refusing to participate in morally objectionable ceremonies. The reforms allow a couple to attain the same outcome through a signed affidavit at the courthouse, simply making the officiant an optional witness to the covenant. This way religious couples can solemnize a sacramental marriage rite in their own faith community, but the Reverend would not face legal vulnerabilities for refraining from performing ceremonies for anyone who doesn't meet the ecclesiastical standards set by the minister. |
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Sooner Politics
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