Oklahoma House passes discriminatory SB1140

By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer

SB1140, a bill that would allow religious-based adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples, single people and non-Christians passed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

The bill made it through the Senate and in the Oklahoma House Judiciary Committee.

On the House floor, Rep. Stone (D) asked, "A child that is in foster care in Oklahoma, are they better off in the home of a same sex couple, or are they better off in foster care?"

Rep. Proctor (D) asked the same question.

Several dismissive answers were given by Rep. Dunlap (R), but a simple answer was not provided. Rep. Dunlap (R) offered to have that discussion with Rep. Proctor (D) off the House floor.

The bill passed in Committee after Rep. Osborn (R) introduced an amendment to deny state and federal funding to any agency that discriminates.

Representative Walke also introduced several amendments in an attempt to quash the bill.

Rep. Dunlap (R) introduced another amendment to reverse Osborn's amendment.

"By deleting 'receiving neither federal nor state funds,' says Dunlap's amendment.

Rep. Obsorn (R) motioned to table Dunlap's amendment. The motion passed on the House floor.

Rep. Calvey (R) motioned to reconsider Dunlap's tabled amendment, which was denied.

Rep. Humphrey (R) then motioned to suspend the rules, the motion was denied since it did not receive 2/3 vote.

Rep. Osborn's amendment to deny state and federal funding to any child placing agency that discriminates remains in place.

Read more:
Foster alumnus speaks out against Oklahoma SB1140
Action needed: SB1140 resurrected to original verbiage
Let’s get a few things straight about LGBT+ adoption
Senator Pittman responds to criticism over SB 1140 vote

"To the extent allowed by federal law, no private child placing agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies," Section one of SB 1140. Read the full bill here.

It will now go to conference where it could be amended back to its original language.

The bill would then be on its way to Gov. Fallin's desk.

To contact Gov. Fallin regarding SB1140:

Governor Mary Fallin
Oklahoma State Capitol
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 212
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Local: (405) 521-2342
Fax: (405) 521-3353
Email her here.

The Gayly. April 26, 2018. 2:45 p.m. CST.