Oklahoma Democrat Wants Businesses To Publicize Intent To Discriminate Against Gays

An Oklahoma Democrat has proposed a measure which would require business owners who oppose marriage equality based on their faith to publicize their intent to discriminate against gays.

State Rep. Chuck Strohm and Senator Joseph Silk, both Republicans, have introduced companion bills to make it easier for businesses and individuals to opt out of serving people based on their religious beliefs. Most believe it's an effort targeted at gay couples who wish to marry.

In comments to The New York Times, Silk appeared to confirm that point.

“The LGBT movement is the main thing, the primary thing that's going to be challenging religious liberties and the freedom to live out religious convictions,” Silk said. “And I say that sensitively, because I have homosexual friends.”

He added: “They don't have a right to be served in every single store. People need to have the ability to refuse service if it violates their religious convictions.”

After his comments went viral, Silk penned a response in which he declared that his bill “has nothing to do with” the LGBT community.

On Tuesday, Rep. Emily Virgin, a Democrat, introduced an amendment to the House version of the bill, the Gayly reported.

“Any person not wanting to participate in any of the activities set forth in subsection A of this section based on sexual orientation, gender identity or race of either party to the marriage shall post notice of such refusal in a manner clearly visible to the public in all places of business, including websites,” Virgin's amendment reads.

“The notice may refer to the person's religious beliefs, but shall state specifically which couples the business does not serve by referring to a refusal based upon sexual orientation, gender identity or race.”

Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, applauded the amendment.

“If the state of Oklahoma is going to protect discrimination, then at the very least, businesses should be required to own their bias, and post it publicly for the world to see,” he said in a statement.