OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Thursday, lawmakers debated on the House floor for two hours. The debate had nothing to do with education or tax cuts.
Instead, it was about a resolution proclaiming “Christ is King.”
Every Republican present on the floor voted for the resolution and every Democrat present voted against.
The vote and debate come despite Oklahoma’s state constitution highlighting the separation of church and state.
“It’s just a very warm, inspirational way to honor Christ and to recognize His role and the foundation of the nation and the important role that He plays in the hearts of Oklahomans all over,” said Senator Shane Jett, R-Shawnee.
State Senator Shane Jett is a co-author of the resolution and said this isn’t a bill or law, just a proclamation “honoring the role of faith in the history and culture of Oklahoma.”
The debate sparked concern among lawmakers.
“Are you aware of the religious schools that were taxpayer funded in the territorial days of Oklahoma and the atrocities that were perpetrated upon Indian children, tribal children in the name of Jesus?,” said Representative Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City.
“I wasn’t aware of that, I’m not sure how that relates to the resolution though,” said Representative Jim Olsen, R-Roland.
Lawmakers in favor of the bill said it’s not intended to establish a religion or infringe on the rights of Oklahomans, but celebrate “voluntary expression of belief that shaped communities across the state”.
The House voted with the majority, but some lawmakers don’t agree.
“It’s saying that you can believe what you want, but it’s not valid under the state of Oklahoma and it’s a state sanctioned religion is what this has turned into,” said Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City.
Representative Dollens said the resolution poses a bigger issue across the state.
“The moment they start imposing their specific religious beliefs onto all of Oklahomans is where we have a real crisis. And today we entered that crisis mode. It went down a partisan line,” said Representative Dollens.
‘I was just desperate for some peace’: OKC bombing survivor
Dollens believes the resolution elevates one religion above the others.
“We have freedom of speech. And if they are interested in doing a citation or a resolution or concurrent resolution where they want to acknowledge a significant role of a historical figure…They have the opportunity to do that through their house or senate members,” said Senator Jett.
It now heads to the Senate floor for a vote, then will be made available online to the public.
