Oregon tribe recognizes same-sex marriage

[philosophie_en_rose]

Source: Associated Press

PORTLAND -- The Coquille Indian Tribe, based on the southern Oregon coast, recently adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage, and its first such wedding is set for next spring.

Oregon voters amended the state constitution in 2004 to prohibit gay marriage. But as a federally recognized sovereign nation, the tribe is not bound by the Oregon Constitution.

Native Americans are "sensitive to discrimination of any kind," said Ken Tanner, chief of the Coquilles.

"For our tribe, we want people to walk in the shoes of other people and learn to respect differences. Through that, we think we build a stronger community," he told The Oregonian newspaper. ... The Coquilles are believed to be the first tribe to legalize same-sex marriage.

Read more: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/375935_tribegaymarriage22.html

[d_b]

1. is it too late

to give it all back to the Indians? I like their style.

[cobalt1999]

2. Nice way to boost reservation tourism and make some extra money

Good for them.

[HillbillyBob]

4. And most of us are not hard on the facilities

Yes, I do like that idea. though for my partner and I it is about a 3,000 mile drive, since i cangot get on a plane anymore.
I still wonder wtf the citizens of Oregon where f ing thinkin

[depakid]

7. The region's falling on hard times

and as you might have guessed, the tribe also owns a casino:

http://www.themillcasino.com/community_coquille.shtml

[Pastiche423]

8. The Mill is just down 1the street from where I live

Sadly, it is the only money maker in my community.

But I am proud of the Coquille tribe for recognizing same-sex marriage!

[Ian David]

9. I don't think they can marry non-tribemembers. n/t

[RedLetterRev]

3. Is it too late to be adopted?

The wise one would respect differences and not fear them. But then again, the repubs make such good money off of fear (sigh) and the fools who would give it and their rights away to them...

[FreeState]

5. The federal US government has to recognize them right?

They are a sovereign nation and have treaties that make the US government view there contracts on equal grounds (unless Im missing something we have the first federally legalized marriages now...)

[Ian David]

10. The U.S. Govermnent doesn't recognize same-sex marriages from Canada or Sweden.

Nor does it recognize polygamous marriages from Saudi Arabia.

[Love Bug]

6. Hopefully this will be the first of many!

Good for them!

[roguevalley]

11. my dad was born there in 1927 (koh-keel) and its still hard to find work

that pays the bills there as ever. Love you, Oregon