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Oklahoma Gov.
Vetoes Kern's Discriminatory Student Bill

Oklahoma Gov.
Vetoes Kern's Discriminatory Student Bill

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.

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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)

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