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
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Weekend
April 23, 2005
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Navajo Nation officially bans same-sex
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