Doak Applauds Bill to Fight Obamacare Contraceptive Law

For Immediate Release:

February 22, 2013

Commissioner Doak Applauds Bill to Fight Obamacare’s Contraceptive Insurance Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has announced his support of Senate Bill 452, authored by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond. The proposal, which just passed a Senate panel, gives Oklahoma employers the option of not including contraceptives and abortions in employee insurance plans.

“My support of Senate Bill 452 is a continued expression of my concern for upholding religious freedom in our state and the threats we are seeing from the federal government on that fundamental right,” said Doak. “Until employers are released from being forced to provide insurance that goes against their beliefs and convictions, we will continue to see efforts made to prevent such a violation. I am committed to standing behind every tool we can use to see justice upheld for Oklahoma employers.”

Commissioner Doak proposed a similar measure in House Joint Resolution 1020, carried by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R – Goodwell. It seeks to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to prevent punishing employers that choose not to provide insurance for treatments, procedures and surgeries that are against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. HJR 1020 passed through committee earlier this week and proposes a state question to be on the election ballot later this year if approved by both House and Senate.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department:

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

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For more information contact:

Kelly Collins

(405) 522-0683

kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov