Journalist: Destiny Lugo (ORU)
House Bill No. OSU-509, authored by Trevor Frieson (OSU), aimed to protect the full range of religious and ideological diversity in Oklahoma. He laid the foundation for his case in Section 2 part A, where he wrote, “The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof,” and such protections are incorporated against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.”
He continues to say in section 2 part I, “The prohibition of voluntary contractual agreements incorporating foreign, international, or religious law would:…” result in a loss of freedom and poor facilitation of international relations in Oklahoma.
An example of a religious worldview he mentioned this bill would protect was Sharia Law. In his bill he defines religious law as, “A system of rules or principles derived from the sacred texts, doctrines, or established practices of a religious tradition”.
His bill centered upon the importance of honoring the fact that America refuses to establish or mandate the observance of a particular religion, and thereby encourages people of all walks of life to come and practice their faith. This is a noble thing we should always protect.
Something to take note of from the bill was the author’s emphasis that religious observance should always be permitted, so long as it does not interfere with the U.S. Constitution or policy of Oklahoma.
In the “new law” section he wrote, “Courts of this state shall recognize and enforce contracts, mediation agreements and settlements, and arbitration agreements and awards that are: 1) Valid and enforceable under the laws of the State of Oklahoma or applicable federal law; 2) Entered into voluntarily by all parties; and 3) Not contrary to the public policy of the State of Oklahoma or the Constitution of the United States.”
The example of Sharia law is unique because this worldview and way of living in the world is a path of its own, which is emblematic of the great convergence of many religious affiliations and walks of life that converge together in the United States of America. From Cairo Oklahoma, there are around 35,000–40,000 Muslims in Oklahoma, and more than 12,000 living in the Oklahoma City area. Additionally, religious expression of Oklahoma is protected and stewarded with Oklahoma being included within the “Bible belt”. From Pew Research Center, Oklahoma has an outstanding Christian presence indicating that religion is encouraged and celebrated. The First Amendment is forever representative of what it means to be American; not an ethnic group or religiously uniform, but a convergence of what it means to be human.