Oklahoma Passes Bill Allowing Religious Institutions Access to State Funding
Oklahoma legislatures have passed the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, through the House and is now waiting to be signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The bill (SB 404) passed with a 64-27 vote and protects against discrimination against religious organizations, especially when it comes to receiving state tax dollars.
The bill prohibits exclusion from government funds, benefits, programs, or exemptions based solely on the religious character or affiliation of a person or entity, the bill states.
Rep. Jon Echols (R-OKC), who co-wrote the bill, along with other Republican supporters, said money shouldn’t be withheld from organizations just based on religious beliefs and should be given the same funding rights as other schools in the state….