LGBT News Oklahoma House Votes to Ban All Marriages

So basically if I understand this correctly, Oklahoma has effectively legalized same sex marriage under the law. The only difference from any other state is that you have to have a third party essentially do the "marrying" part, and THEN you have to file for the papers after the fact.

They just added an unnecessary step, but applied it to everyone equally. They didn't actually get rid of marriages, the state still recognizes them, it will just not officially perform them--just file the paper work.

Am I misunderstanding?

 

So all you need is a priest/minister/rabbi/etc who will perform a same-sex marriage, and you're good to go?

What's the catch?

 

The title is pretty misleading. The law technically will allow same-sex marriages, but only if they are performed by a church. Oklahoma is basically saying "figure it out by yourselves".

It's pretty stupid to define marriage as solely a religious union.

 

Actually, from my understanding, all you need is to be recognized by the state as an ordained minister. This could be of any religion or non-religion. It is perfectly legitimate for an atheist to seek out such a license with the state to perform non-religious marriages. Some atheists like to have ceremonies, but don't want the religious stuff involved. This is how it is done.

I am assuming that this is still valid in the state. I am not sure they could deny it even if they wanted to, due to the First Amendment.

So basically, all they have done is set up an extra step that most people are going to go through anyway.

Also, if I am not mistaken, Judges are also still allowed to perform marriages, though of course they have the right to refuse people as has always been the case.

 

Slick move. But I expected the Spanish Inquisition, Oklahoma.

 

Goddammit home state, why you gotta be like that? You're like that homophobic uncle I don't invite to Thanksgiving or somethin! *sigh!* I'm moving soon anyways so pft!

 

This whole thing sounds suspiciously like its going to end up being like an old episode of the Simpsons. The town of Springfield legalized gay marriage but the only preacher in town refused to conduct the ceremonies. Homer became an ordained minister so he could perform gay weddings and make money off the deal.