Evidence of the beliefs or opinions of a witness on matters of religion is not admissible for the purpose of showing that by reason of their nature the witness's credibility is impaired or enhanced.
§ 2610.Religious Beliefs Or Opinions
Chapter 40: Oklahoma Evidence Code · Last amended November 1, 2002 · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 2610 bars evidence of a witness's religious beliefs or opinions when it's offered only to show that those beliefs impair or enhance the witness's credibility as a witness.
Full Text of § 2610
Amendment History
Laws 1978, SB 276, c. 285, § 610, eff. 10/1/1978; Amended by Laws 2002, HB 1939, c. 468, §49, eff. 11/1/2002.
Plain-English Summary
A witness's religion is off the table for one specific purpose: showing that the witness's beliefs or opinions on matters of religion make the witness more or less believable. Section 2610 excludes that evidence for that purpose, whatever the witness's faith or lack of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer ask a witness about their religious beliefs to suggest they're less credible?
No. Section 2610 bars evidence of a witness's religious beliefs or opinions offered to show impaired or enhanced credibility.
Does this section bar all evidence of a witness's religious affiliation?
Section 2610 bars it for one purpose -- showing that the belief impairs or enhances credibility. It doesn't speak to other uses of religion evidence.
Does this rule track federal evidence law?
Yes, it mirrors Federal Rule of Evidence 610's bar on religious-belief evidence offered to attack or bolster credibility.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: religious belief witness credibility oklahomaFRE 610 oklahomacan you ask about religion in court12 O.S. § 2610