We hope that the state Legislature gives as little time as possible to marriage and divorce proposals from Reps. Mark McCullough and Sally Kern.
State legislators have other, more appropriate, issues they should be considering.
Yes, marriage and divorce are important in our society. Yes, Oklahoma has a high divorce rate and there can be, and usually are, negative social consequences from divorces. However, marriage and divorce are personal decisions, not decisions McCullough and Kern should be making for other people.
McCullough, R-Sapulpa, wants all marriage license applicants to receive at least eight hours of counseling. He also proposes counseling for parents of minor children before divorcing.
Kern, R-Oklahoma City, is proposing to bar divorces on grounds of incompatibility for couples married 10 years or more, that have minor children, or if one or the other party objects.
The motivation of the two representatives may be sincere, but again, it’s not their job to stop people from making poor decisions. Also, while there may be some overlap between legislating the public good and safety, and legislating morality, the two representatives’ proposals clearly attempt to legislate morality. That’s not a trip the Oklahoma Legislature should take.
Legislators should work instead on improving government accountability and services, and the quality of life in Oklahoma.
