Oklahoma Bill Regarding Marriage Licensing Requirements (SB 811)

SB 811 would allow ministers of the Gospel or other similarly situated officiants whose sincerely held faith, doctrine, practice, or conscience forbids the requirement of a state-issued marriage license prior to a marriage, from solemnizing a marriage within his or her community of faith without a prior issued state license.

The minister would need to provide the parties entering into the marriage a written statement advising that they are responsible for obtaining civil recognition of the marriage if civil recognition is desired by the parties.

The minister may, at his or her discretion, request the parties to sign a copy of the statement indicating receipt, and file the copy with the court clerk. Upon production of a true copy of such document, whether filed or not, the minister shall not be subjected to any civil or criminal liability for solemnizing the marriage.

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