On Wednesday, the Oklahoma House and Senate overwhelmingly passed a set of bills stating that people authorized to perform marriages may refuse to do so on religious grounds, The Tulsa World reports:
Neither vote was close, but the bills did prompt lively and sometimes bitter discussion and debate on the proper role of government and religion in public policy.
Legal experts say religious and secular officials already have the right to refuse to perform marriages.
The AP adds:
[The bills] also shield churches from being required to participate in the ceremonies.
Troy Stevenson of Freedom Oklahoma, which advocates for the rights of gay and transgender Oklahomans, says he believes the bills are unnecessary but that he supports the spirit of the laws.
The bills now head to Gov. Mary Fallin (pictured) for signature.
