OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Legislation that protects members of the clergy who refuse to solemnize a same-sex marriage has been approved by the Oklahoma Senate.
Senators voted 39-6 for the measure Wednesday and sent it to the House, which has passed a similar bill.
The measure by Republican Senator Dan Newberry of Tulsa protects clergy members and others authorized to perform marriage ceremonies from being required to perform those duties if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. It would also shield churches from being required to participate in ceremonies that might conflict for religious reasons.
A federal judge last year struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage. The measure is one of several that gay rights groups say discriminates against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.