Sen. Dusty Deevers Introduces Legislation to Restore Moral Standards in Oklahoma
Sen. Dusty Deevers Introduces Legislation to Restore Moral Standards in Oklahoma
By Miami News-Digest
OKLAHOMA CITY — State Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, unveiled a comprehensive legislative package on Tuesday aimed at addressing what he describes as the "moral decay" in Oklahoma. The proposed eight bills target issues ranging from abortion and child pornography to marriage laws and children's exposure to explicit performances.
Addressing Abortion Laws
Among the proposed legislation is Senate Bill 456, titled the Abolition of Abortion Act. This bill seeks to close existing loopholes that allow self-managed abortions, particularly through online procurement of abortion pills. Deevers emphasized the bill's intent, stating, "This bill declares that life begins at conception and ensures that no person may lawfully terminate the life of a child in the womb." He further added, "We cannot pat ourselves on the back when the job is clearly not done. Children are still being murdered under the color of our laws. It is time to step up and truly protect life in Oklahoma by abolishing abortion."
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the abortion rate in Oklahoma decreased from 8.5 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years in 2002 to 1.1 in 2022, marking an 86.6% decline over two decades.
Strengthening Penalties for Child Pornography
Senate Bill 593 aims to significantly increase penalties for offenses related to child sexual assault material. The proposed legislation would elevate existing penalties to 10-to-30 years for possession, distribution, and production, with subsequent offenses resulting in 15-to-50 years in prison. Deevers remarked, "There is perhaps no more psychopathic and antisocial behavior in existence than producing, distributing, or watching child sexual abuse material."
Prohibiting Explicit Performances for Children
Senate Bill 550 seeks to ban adult cabaret performances, including drag shows, for minors. Under this bill, performers could face one to five years in prison, while event organizers might face up to one year behind bars. Deevers expressed concern over children's exposure to such content, stating, "There is perhaps no more glaring and disgusting example of the left’s rejection of morality and decency than their insistence on pushing sexual content onto children in particular."
Reforming Marriage Laws
The legislative package includes two bills focused on marriage. Senate Bill 228, the Covenant Marriage Act, would allow couples to opt into a covenant marriage, which could only be dissolved in cases of abuse, adultery, or abandonment. Couples choosing this option would be eligible for a $2,500 tax credit. Deevers stated, "This bill is about promoting the religious liberty of people who wish to enter marriage on religious terms, as well as rewarding those who do what is best for their children by committing to one another for life."
Additionally, Senate Bill 829 aims to end no-fault divorce in Oklahoma by removing "incompatibility" as a justification for divorce. The bill also proposes that the at-fault parent pay restitution to the children affected by the divorce through a trust fund accessible when they turn 18. Deevers commented, "A society that teaches and allows a marriage covenant to be less important and binding than a business contract will reap the fruit of social upheaval."
Supporting Families and Children
To encourage adoption, Senate Bill 281, the Make Adoption Affordable Again Act, proposes tax credits of up to $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses involved in adoption. Deevers emphasized, "Every child deserves a family. There are many families who are interested in adoption but unable to afford the exorbitant costs."
Furthermore, Senate Bill 328, the Promote Child Thriving Act, would establish a $500 tax credit per child for married parents filing jointly, increasing to $1,000 if the child was born after the parents' marriage. Deevers highlighted the importance of two-parent households, stating, "Statistically, growing up in a two-parent household is strongly correlated with virtually every good thing in a child’s life."
Equal Tax Status for Health Share Ministries
Senate Bill 736 aims to grant health share ministries the same tax benefits as traditional insurance, ensuring that families choosing these plans are not disadvantaged. Deevers noted, "Health care should honor our convictions."
Source: Press Release
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