Navajo marriage act veto draws swift reaction
Posted: May 23, 2005
by: Brenda Norrell / Indian Country Today
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Navajo Councilman Larry Anderson urged the Navajo Nation Council to override Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr.'s veto of the Dine' Marriage Act of 2005, legislation which includes a ban on same-sex marriages.
However, as tribal leaders debated the issue in the capital, Navajos circulated a petition online stating the legislation violates Dine' law and the sanctity of life by invoking intolerance and legal discrimination.
Among those rallying for gay rights were Navajo elders who defended the choices of their grandchildren. Other Navajos recommended legal action if a council veto override succeeds in making the legislation into law.
Anderson, sponsor of the legislation, lashed out at Shirley over the veto, accusing the president of an abuse of veto power and a lack of specifics as to the marriage act's supposedly discriminatory nature.
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