Anti-LGBT+ SB 197 pulled from Oklahoma Senate schedule

By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer

SB 197, formerly known as the Oklahoma Right of Conscience Act, now called the Oklahoma Business Protection Act, has been taken off the agenda on Thursday.

The bill is still live and could be put back up for a vote anytime Thursday before midnight.

Chris Shoaf, Director Legislative Liaison at Oklahomans for Equality, said "It will be official at end of session or midnight. Stanislawski, who would have likely voted in favor, let us know that it wouldn’t be heard. That being said, anything can happen between now and midnight, which is the deadline for third reading in chamber of origin."

Behind the measure is Sen. Joseph Silk (R), who has a history of proposing anti-LGBT+ legislation.

The bill focuses "customized goods" which is defined as an "item designed specifically for an individual or individuals and not otherwise available in the ordinary course of business."

SB 197 would have ensured that no one has to provide services or "customized goods" used in or to promote “a marriage ceremony or celebration of a specific lifestyle or behavior.”  Denials would have been immune to any civil claim or governmental penalty.

The Gayly. March 15, 2018. 10:56 a.m. CST.