OK HB1007

Religious officials who are regularly licensed, ordained, or authorized by any religious organization cannot be required to solemnize or recognize a marriage that violates their conscience or religious beliefs.

Religious officials are granted civil immunity from any claim or cause of action based on refusal to solemnize or recognize a marriage that violates their conscience or religious beliefs.

"Recognize" is defined as providing religious-based services delivered by a religious organization designed for married couples or engaged couples directly related to solemnizing, celebrating, strengthening or promoting a marriage, including religious counseling programs, courses, retreats, and workshops.

"Religious organization" includes churches, seminaries, synagogues, temples, mosques, religious orders, religious corporations, associations or societies with distinctive common religious creed, beliefs, doctrines, practices or rituals, and organizations qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The act becomes effective November 1, 2015.