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OKLAHOMA CITY — A Senate panel passed a bill that would protect those who discriminate based on marriage, lifestyle or behavior.

Dubbed the “Oklahoma Right of Conscience Act,” Senate Bill 197 now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow, is the author.

Toby Jenkins, executive director of Oklahomans for Equality, said the measure “will give business owners and government employees a free pass to refuse to do business or provide vital services for LGBTQ individuals and groups.”

“If this bill becomes law,” he said, “day-to-day life will become treacherous and dangerous. LGBTQ Oklahomans won’t know where to buy food, where to live or where to seek medical services because a simple trip to the grocery store might have the door slammed in your face.”

Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, said lawmakers should be focused on the recent revenue failure but instead are pushing a bill that will result in companies refusing to locate in Oklahoma.

He said if the bill is signed into law, there will be a lawsuit.

He said the bill doesn’t just deal with religious beliefs but all beliefs.