Oklahoma Legislator Finds Way to Ban Non-Christian Invocations
Oklahoma state rep finds way to ban Muslims, Jews, Hindus, atheists, and others from offering invocations for the state legislature.
He has issued rules that a state rep may only invite a member of his house of worship to lead prayers. Since every state rep is a Christian, that effectively bars any other religion (and atheists do not have houses of worship).
In the past, a Democratic legislator invited an imam from a mosque, which upset the poor conservative snowflake. Thus the rules change.
The Oklahoma House and Senate both begin each legislative day with a prayer led by a chaplain sponsored by individual members.
However, a new rule prohibits members of minority religions from serving as chaplain of the day in the House, members of the Islamic community and others said Friday.
A letter addressing the Houseās Chaplain of the Day/Week Program for 2018 states, āWe do ask that the Chaplain be from the Representativeās own place of worship.ā The letter is signed by Rep. Chuck Strohm, R-Jenks, who is the chaplain coordinator in the House.
Adam Soltani, executive director of CAIR Oklahoma, said since there are no House members of the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or several other minority faiths, the rule prevents people who practice those religions from participating in the chaplain program.
(more at the Tulsa World)