Oklahoma State Question 711 (2004)

Oklahoma State Question 711^[1] of 2004, is an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that makes it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. The referendum was approved by 76 percent of the voters.^[2] Additionally, it is the only such amendment that establishes criminal penalties for issuing a marriage licence in violation of its provisions.^[3]

The text of the amendment states:

(a.) Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. Neither this Constitution nor any other provision of law shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.

(b.) A marriage between persons of the same gender performed in another state shall not be recognized as valid and binding in this state as of the date of the marriage.

(c.) Any person knowingly issuing a marriage license in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.^[3]

Legal Challenges

Question 711 is currently being challenged in a federal court. The case is Bishop v. United States of America.^[4]

See also

• LGBT rights in Oklahoma

References

1. ^ General Election, November 2, 2004, Summary Results, Oklahoma State Election Board. Accessed 22 December 2006.
2. ^ CNN.com Election 2004 - Ballot Measures Accessed 30 November 2006.
3. ^ ^{a b} Oklahoma Constitution, Article II, section 35, at domawatch.org. Accessed 22 December 2006.
4. ^ Federal lawsuit renewed against Oklahoma's constitutional ban of same-sex marriage Accessed 11 December 2010

External links

• The Money Behind the 2004 Marriage Amendments -- National Institute on Money in State Politics
• The Gayly Oklahoman, LGBT newspaper in Oklahoma