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Native American tribe says yes to same-sex marriage
"Native American tribes have historically been far more accepting of same-sex relationships than many other cultures."
The Coquilles Indian Tribe has, according to Brian Gilley University of Vermont anthropology professor, become the first tribe in the nation to legalise same-sex marriage.
Based on the southern Oregon coast, the Tribe is not bound by Oregon’s constitution so allows gay marriage among its members.
Gilley, who is also the author of the book, Becoming Two-Spirit: Gay Identity and Social Acceptance in Indian Country, insists that many Native American tribes have historically been far more accepting of same-sex relationships than many other cultures.
Chief of the Coquilles tribe, Ken Tanner said: "Native Americans are sensitive to discrimination of any kind.
"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."
According to tribal attorney Brett Kenney, the new marriage laws will not take effect until the tribe has also created laws for divorce and child custody, which should be drawn up by next year.
