Signs of Life :: Tribes Approve Same-Sex Marriage

HUMAN RIGHTS

Tribes Approve Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage may not be legal in the state of Oregon, but an Oregon tribe has exercised its sovereignty to recognize same-sex marriages on its 10-square-mile reservation near the Oregon coast. The Coquille Indian Tribe allows marriage licenses and benefits for gay and lesbian couples as long as at least one partner is an enrolled tribal member. On May 29, two women became the first same-sex couple to legally marry on the reservation.

The Suquamish Tribe in Washington state may soon follow suit. Its tribal council has approved a proposal to amend the Suquamish constitution and will finalize a same-sex marriage ordinance pending two public hearings later this summer.

—Heather Purser is a YES! editorial intern and member of the Suquamish Tribe.

 

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