Lawmaker wants dueling language out of oath

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - State Rep. Darryl Owens says having incoming state officials swear they haven't dueled is undignified.

The Louisville Democrat has prefiled a legislative bill that would strip the language from the oath officials swear to as they take office, reported the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The oath is part of the state constitution and requires people to swear they haven't fought a duel with deadly weapons in or out of the state.

Owens said the archaic language usually causes the audience at a swearing-in to laugh, distracting from what should be a solemn rite.

Owens said it's time to "jump into the 21st Century" and delete that language.

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