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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTribe Marries Gay Couple Despite State Ban
http://www.newser.com/story/164525/native-tribe-marries-gay-couple-despite-state-ban.html(NEWSER) Two gay men married on an Indian reservation in Michigan today despite the fact that state law prohibits same-sex marriage, the AP reports. Gene Barfield, 60, and Tim LaCroix, 53, said their vows on the reservation of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, which is federally recognized and unbound by state law. "I'm the happiest, luckiest guy in the world," said Barfield. But the tribe's new policy could trigger a legal battle if Barfield and LaCroix move off the reservation and attempt to confirm their marriage in Michigan, says one analyst.
What's more, the men haven't decided whether to file their taxes as a couple or ask LaCroix's health insurer to recognize Barfield as a dependent. The Michigan tribe took a while to accept gay marriage, beginning the discussion a couple of years ago and finally approving it by a 5-4 tribal council vote last month. "Our tribe is making history," said an employee in the legal department. "I'm very proud." Same-sex marriage is recognized by at least two other US Indian tribesincluding one in Oregon, which also has a Constitutional ban on gay marriage.
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Tribe Marries Gay Couple Despite State Ban (Original Post)
Bonobo
Mar 2013
OP
Response to Bonobo (Original post)
Tx4obama This message was self-deleted by its author.
CosmicDustBunny
(80 posts)3. Good for them. Congratulations Gene and Tim!!!
MineralMan
(146,317 posts)4. Another opportunity for tribes to offer
things not offered by states. Put it all together and make the reservation a destination for couples who want to get married.