August 2nd, 2011
In 2008 marriage equality established itself in southern Oregon. Now Washington State can be the site for same-sex marriages as well. Provided, of course, that you are a registered member of the appropriate Indian tribe.
On Monday, the Suquamish Tribal Council formally changed its ordinances to join Oregon’s Coquille in extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. (Kitsap Sun)
The Tribal Council held a public hearing on the ordinance change in June and formally adopted it in a unanimous vote Monday.
The new law allows the tribal court to issue a marriage license to two unmarried people, “regardless of their sex,” if they at least 18 years old and at least one of them is an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe.
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Regan DuCasse
August 2nd, 2011
Back where we were. And where we belong. NA’s are more and more leaving behind the influence of missionaries, to return to the acceptance more indigenous to First People’s social networks.
That there is spiritual, social and familial benefit to integrating gays and the transgendered into all life.
And always has been.
Timothy (TRiG)
August 3rd, 2011
I didn’t know the tribes could set their own marriage laws. That’s cool. And apparently it passed the council without much difficulty.
Yay progress!
TRiG.
Soren456
August 3rd, 2011
@Timothy:
Tribes are sovereign nations.
They are not entirely independent of federal and state governments, but very nearly so. They have their own laws, police, courts–and taxation.
Essentially, they make their own rules. This independence is why they are able to open casinos and, often, to sell tobacco cheaply.
Timothy Kincaid
August 4th, 2011
Soren,
Yes… and interestingly that will come up later today in a very different context.
Ben M
August 5th, 2011
@Soren and Timothy,
But like states, the tribes are subject to the federal DOMA. So their marriage laws, like those of the states have not weight before the federal government.
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