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OKLAHOMA CITY — Accompanied by Bible readings and constitutional fervor, the Oklahoma House of Representatives voted Thursday to remove license and training requirements for handguns carried openly. 

Rep. Jeff Coody said his House Bill 3098 acknowledges rights granted by God and the U.S. Constitution.  Rep. John Bennett, R-Sapulpa, backed Coody by reading a selection of Bible verses he said empowers believers to defend themselves. 

Coody argued that the Second Amendment, which he called the most important amendment in the Bill of Rights, could not be infringed upon, nor could a person’s right to self-defense. 

“Is it a good idea to let anyone carry a gun, even if they don’t know how to use it or even where the safety is?”  asked Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman. 

“The key word is ‘let,’ ” said Coody. “ Somehow we’ve gotten the idea that the government has to give us permission to exercise our freedoms.  That is totally antithetical to me.”