Rep. Jason Dunnington, who requested Imam Imad Enchassi of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City deliver the daily prayer, criticized Strohm for discriminating against non-Christians. That organization already has an Oklahoma minister who conducts weekly Bible studies at the Capitol. Legislative bodies in at least 19 states have a designated chaplain, while chambers in most states, including Oklahoma, use visiting chaplains, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The flap over Oklahoma's chaplain programs reignited last week after separate ministers delivered fiery sermons on the House and Senate floors. That prompted criticism from Senate Democratic leader Sen. John Sparks, who called Ledbetter's remarks "hateful" and demanded an apology.

Source: ABC News March 08, 2018 00:04 UTC