Oklahoma bill would protect clergy who won't perform gay marriages

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Oklahoma bill would protect clergy who won't perform gay marriages

Thu Feb 12, 2015 6:07pm EST

(Reuters) - Oklahoma state representatives voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to advance a bill that would provide immunity from lawsuits to clergy who refuse to conduct marriages for same-sex couples.

The bill, approved by 88-7 in the state House of Representatives, would protect clergy members from any civil claim or cause of action if they refuse to preside over or recognize a marriage of same-sex couples because of their conscience or religious beliefs. The measure next goes to the state Senate for consideration.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Representative David Brumbaugh, said many pastors asked for the legislation after a federal judge overturned Oklahoma's ban on gay marriage in January 2014.

The ministers are concerned about being sued under public accommodation laws if they turn away same-sex couples who want to marry, he said.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/12/us-usa-oklahoma-gaymarriage-idUSKBN0LG32620150212

[shenmue]

1. O hai, we are dumb-ass bigots

Dumb.

[MNBrewer]

2. Talk about an unnecessary bill!

Ministers are already exempt.

[LiberalFighter]

3. It just shows the stupidity of people.

As for the ministers that supposedly asking for the legislation they likely lacked the education one doesn't get when they 3rd rate bible schools. Consider how easy it is for non-denominational pastors to receive their degree.

[tsites]

4. They know that

But by passing such a bill, it places in the mind of the public that such a bill was necessary (ministers must be being required to marry gay couples, why else would they be passing this bill) and thus reenforces the idea that Christianity is under attack.