logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
commentary
July 11, 2024
A triumph for religious liberty
By BY AttWTWy Gonor?jfl OofttTW Dnjrnmond

Oklahomans are celebrating a tremendous victory for religious liberty after a recent ruling by our state Supreme Court.

At issue in the case was a fundamental question: Should taxpayers be forced to fund religious teachings that violate their own deeply held beliefs?

I do not believe that to be constitutional, which is why I filed a lawsuit challenging the establishment of a religious public charter school.

As a committed Christian, the last thing I want is for my tax dollars to be used to fund the radical teachings of Sharia or the demonic worship of Satan. Thankfully, the Court agreed with my position and our religious liberty is protected — for now.

The case was not without controversy. Some politicians, including our own Governor, expressed open support for funding a Muslim school with our tax dollars. Gov. Stitt’s support of a Muslim school seemed to be based on a false impression of what “religious liberty” actually means.

Let me be clear: Religious liberty means every citizen is free to worship as he or she believes. Religious liberty does not mean that the government should fund religious indoctrination with our tax dollars.

Most Oklahomans cherish their freedom to worship, which is a right enshrined in the First Amendment. Only eight years ago, Oklahomans reaffirmed their opposition to using tax dollars for religious purposes when 57 percent of voters soundly rejected State Question 790. Protecting that right is why I asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to reject the proposed religious school that would be funded exclusively by our tax dollars.

To avoid any confusion, I am very supportive of private religious schools. I sent my own children to a private Christian school for middle and high school. I believe every family should be free to choose private religious education.

In fact, Oklahoma now has a tax credit available for families who choose this type of education. This credit belongs to all parents who wish to claim it when they choose private school education, without regard to their religious beliefs.

This is an important distinction. Parents, not the government, make the choice and decide for themselves what school is worthy of their own tax dollars. That is freedom at its purest.

Religious liberty is among the most fundamental pillars upon which our nation was founded. We may worship however we see fit – or not worship at all unfettered by any threat of government-backed religious indoctrination.

I swore an oath to uphold the United States Constitution, and I believe our Founding Fathers knew best how to protect religious liberty: by preventing the government from funding any religion at all. I do not want Oklahoma school children indoctrinated in public schools — I want them educated.

While Oklahoma’s Supreme Court has sided with my efforts to protect religious liberty, the case is sure to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Rest assured that I will continue fighting to uphold our Constitutional rights. The protection of religious liberty depends on it … and my oath requires it.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
this is a test
D is for Duvall
A: Main, News...
D is for Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 11, 2025
When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
9/11 – Never Forget
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
this is a test
Checotah FFA earns historic award
A: Main, News...
Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
this is a test
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
A: Main, News...
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A site out of this world
A: Main, News...
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
this is a test
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
News
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
this is a test
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
News
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
this is a test
News
Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
this is a test
News
LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy