News (USA)

Chairman of Native American tribe OK’s same-sex marriage, will wed two men

Chairman of Native American tribe OK’s same-sex marriage, will wed two men

HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. — The chairman of a northern Michigan Indian tribe says he’ll sign a same-sex marriage bill Friday, then preside at the wedding of two men.

The legislative body of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians voted 5-4 on March 3 to amend the Harbor Springs-based tribe’s laws to allow same-sex marriages. The Petoskey News-Review reports that tribal Chairman Dennis McNamara says he’ll sign the bill Friday morning.

McNamara then plans to officiate at the wedding of two longtime friends, 53-year-old tribe member Tim LaCroix and 60-year-old Gene Barfield.

At least two other U.S. Indian tribes recognize gay marriage. The Coquille Tribe in North Bend, Ore., began recognizing the unions in 2009, and the Suquamish Tribe in Suquamish, Wash., did so in 2011.

Michigan’s Constitution bans same-sex marriage.

© 2013, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Illinois marriage equality bill 12 votes short, says House Speaker

Previous article

Argentine Cardinal elected pope — first pontiff from Americas

Next article