Oklahoma Conservatives Debate Divorce Legislation

The Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature is embroiled in a dispute over whether to address the state's high divorce rate or stay focused on the budget and other fiscal priorities.

Monday, March 8th 2010, 10:59 am

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature is embroiled in a dispute over whether to address the state's high divorce rate or stay focused on the budget and other fiscal priorities.

Republican members have proposed three bills to increase regulation of marriage and divorce in Oklahoma. Two were defeated but one is awaiting action. It would require counseling for those planning to wed or divorce.

The issue has produced sharp clashes among Republicans over whether the regulations would betray the party's position against government intrusion into private lives.

But one lawmaker is not giving up. He says Oklahoma cannot afford to not do something about the high divorce rate.

Whether you're saying "I do" or calling it quits State Representative Mark McCullough is proposing legislation for both.

"It would require two hours of premarital counseling before a marriage license can be issued," Rep. McCullough said.

And he wants to mandate educational classes for couples filing for divorce.

"It would require, statewide, all parents to have some type of class that just tells them the impact divorce is going to have on children, how to work at co-parenting," Rep. McCullough said.

Oklahoma consistently ranks at the top when it comes to divorce. Those in the business of family matters agree something needs to be done about Oklahoma's high divorce rate.

"That is a significant problem for us," Oklahoma Marriage Initiative Spokesperson Kendy Cox said.

The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative holds relationship workshops they say can benefit couples entering into marriage and possibly those on the brink of divorce.

Cox would not comment on the current legislation but says education is the key.

"We commend our lawmakers for thinking creatively about solutions about a difficult and complicated issue," Cox said.

But, attempts to put mandates on marriage and divorce are not getting a warm welcome at the Capitol.

Several bills never made it out of committee, Rep. McCullough's bill only passed by one vote.

"I think at some point the state does have to step in," said McCullough. "We're the only ones that can regulate marriage and divorce."

McCullough also says divorce impacts Oklahoma economically because of single parents living on limited incomes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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