House Bill No. 2205 amends Oklahoma's marriage laws by updating the list of individuals authorized to perform formal marriage ceremonies. The bill modifies Section 7 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifically changing the language regarding who may solemnize marriages. The new legal language includes the insertion of "deacon" and "elder of the Gospel" alongside "priest" and "rabbi," while deleting the term "minister of the Gospel." This change broadens the scope of religious figures who can officiate weddings, reflecting a more inclusive approach to marriage ceremonies.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement that all marriages must be conducted in the presence of at least two adult witnesses and emphasizes the need for officiants to certify their credentials. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made within the legal framework governing marriage in Oklahoma.

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