Native American tribes challenge Oklahoma gay marriage ban

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http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/22/native-american-tribeschallengeoklahomagaymarriageban.html
Author: Lisa De Bode Source: Al-Jazeera America

Two gay men are getting married under Native American tribal law in Oklahoma, apparently circumventing a state law that does not allow same-sex unions.

Lisa Liebl, the tribes' public relations officer, told Al Jazeera in an email, "This is the 3rd same-sex couple to be issued a marriage license by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes."

According to their legal code, the candidates should be married on sovereign land and one should be a member of the tribes, but a marriage license should not specify a couple's gender. The code reflects the respect enshrined in some Native American communities for gay individuals, who are often believed to be endowed with special spiritual gifts.