Native Americans accept gay marriage, thus first federally recognized same-sex marriage set

Posted on August 22, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog

The Coquille Indian Tribe on the southern Oregon coast, who are a federally recognised sovereign nation, are not bound by Oregon’s constitution, and so allow gay marriage amongst its members.

The Coquilles (which tribal leaders prefer to pronounce KO-kwell) are probably the first tribe in the nation to legalise same-sex marriage, says Brian Gilley, a University of Vermont anthropology professor and author of the book, Becoming Two-Spirit: Gay Identity and Social Acceptance in Indian Country.

Many Native American tribes historically accepted same-sex relationships, Gilley says.

Native Americans accept gay marriage
PinkNews.co.uk, UK -
Coquille Tribe approves gay marriage KAJO
Ore. tribe approves same-sex marriages KTVZ
The first federally recognized same-sex marriage will happen on … The Oregonian - OregonLive.com