Story Created:
Feb 13, 2009 at 5:46 PM CST
Story Updated:
May 18, 2009 at 3:20 PM CST
Friday, February 13, 2009; Posted: 5:43 p.m. (CDT)
Dr. Charles Martin is the pastor of Integrity's Voice of Victory Church in Oklahoma City. He's counseled numerous couples and has even written a book on relationships.
Dr. Martin says, "I think the ground roots of a marriage is a friendship first."
He's been married for 17 years.
"Marriage problems are not solved in the legislature. Marriage problems are solved at the ground roots."
This pastor does see some good in the so called "Covenant Marriage" bill. Under the bill, couples would be required to receive premarital counseling at least 15 days before applying for a marriage license. It also limits divorce to adultery, physical abuse, abandonment, fraud or if the couple has been separated for 18 months.
Beth Lum is the Salon Shop Manager at Deja Vu. She says, "Not an expert but I do hear a lot. A lot of people come through the salon and through my chair."
She agrees with the counseling but disagrees with something else.
"I don't think those should be the only reasons why we get a divorce," says Lum.
Lum's been married for 20 years.
She says, "Number one is communication and trying to understand your spouse."
From the salon to the sanctuary, marriage is always a tune that produces strong opinions.
Other states have enacted similar "Covenant Marriage" laws including Louisiana, Arkansas and Arizona.
According to Representative John Wright, who authored the bill, research shows it has had a positive impact. It also shows those couples have a lower divorce rate.
The next step for House Bill 1026 is to head to the house floor .
