Cherokee Court rules for lesbian couple

[Charlie Brown]

I wouldn't get my hopes up over this ruling given the conservative trend of the Cherokee, but it's certainly an inspiring victory.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/BreakingNewsStory.asp?ID=060104_Br_abrklesb

TAHLEQUAH -- The Judicial Appeals Tribunal of the Cherokee Nation has rejected an attempt by several tribal council members to invalidate the tribe's first lesbian marriage license.

The Court held that the tribal council members had no standing to seek a court order invalidating the marriage of of Kathy Reynolds and Dawn McKinley.

The Court rejected the council members' argument that permitting the marriage to stand would injure the reputation of the Cherokee Nation.

[RazzleDazzle]

1. What exactly do you know about

the Cherokee or indeed Native Americans?

It's been my understanding that Native Americans have had a very, VERY liberal understanding of gays. Are you suggesting otherwise?

[Massacure]

3. I would assume it varies tribe to tribe.

Personally I think the government should stay out of the marriage business all together.

[Charlie Brown]

4. they have a large Christian membership

I believe something like 50% of the Cherokee are Christian, even with hymns and bibles written in the Cherokee syllabary. It's created a large fundie movement within the tribe (though there are certainly large numbers who worship traditionally). Thus, their leaders tend to pander to the voters who oppose social change and progress.

Chad Smith, the Principal Chief, has opposed this very union since it first became an issue.

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/082104tribalMarr.htm

(Tulsa, Oklahoma) About a month after a lesbian couple successfully filed for a tribal marriage application, the Cherokee National Tribal Council voted to clearly define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Principal Chief Chad Smith has indicated he will sign the measure.

The change to tribal marriage law would not affect Kathy Reynolds and Dawn McKinley, who were married last month (story) in a Cherokee ceremony. Cherokee Nation laws are not retroactive.

[Nikki Stone 1]

2. Good decision

:)

[mom cat]

5. May they have a proud and auspicious marriage.

:bounce::toast: :bounce:

[burrowowl]

6. Good on them!

Many tribes had a special place for homosexuals. WWII changed many ways, including the view towards homosexuals. May they go back to the old ways.