House Media Division
Legislation giving officials clear legal authority to use deadly force against dangerous individuals at a place of worship has been approved by the House of Representatives.
“While I certainly hope this legislation is never needed, there have been several cases in recent years where citizens at a place of worship were the target of violence,” said Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “Should that occur again, this legislation simply makes clear that the right to self-defense applies to a place of worship just as it does for citizens in their homes, vehicles and businesses under current law.”
House Bill 2988, by Ritze, declares that “the citizens of the State of Oklahoma have a right to expect absolute safety within their own homes, places of business, or places of worship” and that officials at any place of worship are allowed to use defensive force in cases where there is “a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm.”
He noted several cases where acts of violence have occurred or threats have been issued at places of worship in Oklahoma.
In 2009, Pastor Carol Daniels was killed at the Christ Holy Sanctified Church in Anadarko.
In Edmond, the Fairview Baptist Church received a bomb threat after its pastor spoke out against a city policy regarding homosexuals.
In 2005, Rev. Billy Joe Daugherty, founding pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, was assaulted during an alter call.
“It is not unusual for a church or other place of worship to offer ministries and programs to the broader community, such as women’s shelters and children’s services,” Ritze said. “Officials at the place of worship must have the clear legal authority to protect those citizens should a dangerous threat arise.”
House Bill 2988 passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 78-9 vote. It now proceeds to the Senate.
