Oklahoma – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order aimed at reinforcing religious liberty protections across the state, directing agencies to eliminate laws and regulations that exclude religious individuals or institutions from public programs, funds, or benefits.
The order builds on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, including *Trinity Lutheran v. Comer*, *Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue*, and *Carson v. Makin*, which have affirmed that states cannot discriminate against religious organizations in public life.
Governor Stitt’s decision comes ahead of a significant U.S. Supreme Court case, *Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond*, with oral arguments scheduled for April 30, 2025. The case centers on whether faith-based institutions can participate in state-funded charter school programs.
“Religious freedom is foundational to our way of life in Oklahoma. It’s not a privilege handed out by the government—it’s a God-given right that the government must protect,” said Stitt. “We will not stand by while faith-based organizations – including faith-based schools – are pushed to the sidelines by activist bureaucrats or hostile politicians.”
Stitt has also filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, arguing that religious institutions should have equal access to public programs.
The executive order requires a full review of state laws and regulations to ensure compliance with constitutional protections, particularly in areas such as public education, arts funding, and historical preservation programs. It follows a 2023 amendment to Oklahoma’s Religious Freedom Act, which clarified that denying access to government programs based on religious affiliation is a violation of free exercise rights.
State agencies are expected to complete their reviews and propose necessary revisions to align with the order, further positioning Oklahoma as a strong advocate for religious liberty.
