A new group called the Din� Coalition for Cultural Preservation is leading opposition to a proposed ban on same-sex marriages on the Navajo Nation.

The group held a press conference on Wednesday to criticize the Din� Marriage Act of 2005. Speakers said it divides the Navajo Nation and ignores cultural traditions of gay and lesbian, or two spirit, people.

The opposition comes as the Navajo Nation Council prepares to take up the measure today. The sponsor wants to override President Joe Shirley Jr.'s veto of the bill. Shirley has called banning same-sex marriages a non-issue for the tribe and said doing so would be discriminatory.

The Dine Coalition has signed up more than 1,000 people in an online petition against the bill, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Get the Story:
Marriage Act opponents speak out (The Gallup Independent 6/2)

Relevant Links:
Dine Coalition for Cultural Preservation - http://www.dinecoalition.com
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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