Oklahoma Bill Regarding Religious Convictions of Child-Placing Agencies (SB 1140)

SB 1140 allows a private child-placing agency to refuse to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the written religious or moral convictions or policies of the agency.

The bill prohibits the department of human services from denying an application for an initial license or renewal of a license or revoking the license of a private child-placing agency because of the agency’s objection to performing, assisting, counseling, recommending, consenting to, referring or participating in a placement that violates the written religious or moral convictions or policies of the agency.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the state from denying a private child-placing agency any grant, contract or participation in a government program due to such objections.

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If passed, child-placement agencies would be allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples or LGBTQ individuals looking to adopt.

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Related Legislation

Identical to HB 1507, which failed to pass in 2017.

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STATUS

Passed the senate on March 13, 2018, by a 35-9 vote.

Passed the house, with amendments, on April 26, 2018, by a 60-26 vote.

Passed the senate on May 3, 2018, by a 33-7 vote.

Passed the house on May 3, 2018, by a 56-21 vote.

Signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin (R) on May 11, 2018.

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People