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As the Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma considers revisions to its application for a state-authorized charter school, a bill prohibiting the denial of state funding or services based solely on religious affiliation has passed the Legislature and is awaiting Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature.
If Stitt signs it, SB 404 would change state statute so that “it shall be deemed a substantial burden to exclude any person or entity from participation in or receipt of governmental funds, benefits, programs, or exemptions based solely on the religious character or affiliation of the person or entity.”
The measure passed the House 64-27 on Monday, with seven Republicans joining 20 Democrats in opposition. Democrats argued the bill will allow state-funded religion.
The bill’s lead author, Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville), said she is confident the governor will sign the bill into law.
“I’m very gratified that we got it passed,” Daniels said. “I am absolutely confident that the governor will sign it.”
Both Daniels and the bill’s House author, Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC), cited recent Supreme Court cases involving state funds going to religious schools for why the bill was needed.
“In recent years, there were three Supreme Court cases quite close together that all dealt with establishment of religion issues,” Daniels said. “And just incidentally, they were all involving schools — religious schools being denied certain benefits that were being offered to other...
In certain instances, it is evident that misinformation is created and disseminated on social media by exploiting sensitive issues and presenting unverified claims as factual events. Presented bel...