Northern Mich. Indian tribal chairman signs same-sex marriage bill, plans to wed male couple

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians OK gay marriage, but state ban still sticks

Published On: Mar 15 2013 11:00:44 AM EDT
Gay marriage
HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. -

The chairman of a northern Michigan Indian tribe has signed a bill authorizing same-sex marriage and plans to officiate at the wedding of two men.

The tribal council of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians approved the measure March 3 on a 5-4 vote.

Chairman Dexter McNamara signed the bill Friday morning at the tribal government building in Harbor Springs. The marriage ceremony is to follow.

At least two other U.S. Indian tribes recognize gay marriage.

Michigan voters approved a ban on bay marriage in 2004, although federally recognized American Indian tribes are self-governing and not bound by state law. A spokesman for Attorney General Bill Schuette says Michigan would not recognize the validity of same-sex marriages conducted by tribes.

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