OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gay rights activists are celebrating the Republican-led defeat of a bill that would have allowed Oklahoma businesses to discriminate against gay people.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-4 on Tuesday against a bill, Senate Bill 1328, dubbed the "Oklahoma Right of Conscience Act" by Broken Bow Republican Joseph Silk.
The bill would have allowed Oklahomans to refuse to provide goods, services or accommodations to gay people if they were following "sincerely held religious beliefs or conscience ... regarding marriage, lifestyle or behavior."
Two Democrats and three Republicans on the panel voted against the measure.
RELATED: Same-sex marriage ruling marks a major moment in American history |
Troy Stevenson of the gay rights group Freedom Oklahoma praised the members who voted against the bill, but says there still are nearly a dozen more anti-gay measures pending in the Legislature.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
