Proposed Covenant Marriage Bill voted down by committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A senator's controversial marriage bill won't become law this year.

Republican Senator Dusty Deevers says the measure would have strengthened marriage, but challengers argued that the bill, as written, excludes many people, with a lot of loopholes throughout the language of the bill as well.

"What I would point to is what you exactly said, quote we can not legislate morality, three bills, you did say we can't write morality or something into our legislation, well then I am going to say it, we can not write morality into legislation," said Sen. Brent Howard, (R-Altus).

Lawmakers pressed its author, Senator Dusty Deevers, about the language of the bill.

It says couples who enter into a covenant marriage can only get divorced in cases of abuse, adultery, or abandonment.

If trouble arises in the marriage, then couples must seek counseling.

The bill also includes a tax incentive of up to $2,500.

"Is it your intention to provide a covenant marriage and a tax break to all Oklahomans regardless of sexual orientation?" a committee member asked.

"Due to current law, it would happen if they signed the declaration of intent," Sen. Deevers said.

That law was the Supreme Court's decision, which granted same-sex couples the right to marry.

Republican Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) says he understands Deevers' intention.

"The state recognizes the tremendous benefit of having stable families," said Jett.

However, the focus quickly shifted back to the proposed tax credit.

"I know you have voted against many other tax credits, what differentiates this one from every other one that you've, not favored, let's say?" a committee member asked.

"The tax credit here is calibrated to offset the significant social cost associated with broken marriages," Sen. Deevers said.

"This only applies to religious couples, and non-religious couples would not be able to have this tax credit, is that correct?" asked Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman).

"If they could sign the declaration of intent and make that statement, then that's how it would work," Sen. Deevers said.

"So, to be able to get a tax credit of $2,500, so they signed it but didn't believe it, they would be able to get it anyway?" asked Sen. Todd Gollihare (R-Kellyville).

"There is no distinction in this bill that says you may not lie before god, it is on that person's conscience," Sen. Deevers said.

Ultimately, six of the eight committee members voted against the act, blocking it from moving forward.

Sen. Deevers' other bill, which would prohibit no-fault divorce, meaning couples couldn't cite incompatibility, also failed today by the same 6-2 vote.