Independent Independent
M DN AR CL S

Navajo Nation officially bans same-sex marriage

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Same-sex unions are now officially banned on the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the Diné Marriage Act of 2005 with a 67-0-0 vote on Friday.

The act amends Title Nine of the Navajo Nation Code to recognize valid marriages contracted outside of the Navajo Nation, with the exception of plural marriages, marriages between blood relatives, and marriages between persons of the same sex.

The purposes of marriage on the Navajo Nation "are to promote strong families and to preserve and strengthen family values," the legislation states.

Larry Anderson, its sponsor, pointed to language within the title such as "man and wife" and "I, the man named above, hereby take the woman named above" to support the prohibition of same-sex unions.

"This is how it's interpreted in Title Nine," Anderson said.

Ervin Keeswood, who abstained from the vote, questioned why the tribe was considering the legislation.

"I'd like to know, Mr. Anderson, what's the driving force behind this?," Keeswood said. "Is there now today a long line of Navajos who want same-sex unions?"

Keeswood said that other states, and the federal government, have reason to address same-sex unions.

"It's really a property-rights issue on the outside," Keeswood said. "If there are such issues in Navajo country, then I can understand this."

The legislation, he said, promotes negativity and "something called discrimination."

Not all delegates shared his opinion, however.

Katherine Benally supported the legislation, citing "God's will."

"This is how we want it, this is what we want," she said.

Edward Jim agreed.

"We get up and pray every morning," Jim said. "We believe in a god who despises same-sex unions."

By supporting same-sex unions, Lorenzo Curley said, the Navajo Nation will be swept away by outside doctrine.

"This legislation will only further our stance," Curley said. "We're here to defend the foundations of our society."

One observer said traditionalists opposed the legislation, citing a traditional story when Nadleeh, a Navajo word for one who has both male and female spirits, did the work of women successfully including weaving, grinding corn, and creating cooking utensils while Navajo men and women were separated for four years due to a power struggle.

"Nadleeh has taken a very important role and do the work of women," said Rose, who would not give her last name.

The government, she said, had no right to interfere with "what we thought was good."

"There are too many laws, layers and layers of laws," Rose said. "It's not a problem like in the U.S."

— To contact reporter Pam Dempsey, call (505) 879-1707 or email pamelagdempsey@msn.com

Weekend
April 23, 2005
Selected Stories:

| Home | Daily News | Archive | Subscribe |

All contents property of the Gallup Independent.
Any duplication or republication requires consent of the Gallup Independent.
Please send the Gallup Independent feedback on this website and the paper in general.
Send questions or comments to gallpind@cia-g.com