Oklahoma governor
Brad Henry vetoed a controversial measure cosponsored
by homophobic state senator Sally Kern, which would protect
religious students from discrimination for expressing
their views. The Religious Viewpoints
Antidiscrimination Act, also sponsored by Sen.James
Williamson, states that students may express their religious
beliefs in homework, artwork, and other assignments
without facing penalization.
Critics of the
measure were worried that the bill would allow students to
disregard science and history lessons because of conflicting
religious teachings.
Students are
currently allowed to express their faith through prayer and
other activities during school, Henry wrote in his veto
message. He also said that the vague language of the
measure "may trigger a number of unintended
consequences that actually impede rather than enhance such
expression." The bill could open up a litany of litigation,
Henry said, because of educators determining what
constitutes legitimate religious expression. "For
example, under this legislation, schools could be
forced to provide equal time to fringe organizations that
masquerade as religions and advocate behaviors, such as drug
use or hate speech, that are dangerous or offensive to
students and the general public." (The
Advocate)