Judge strikes down Oneida Nation gaming pact

Tuesday, June 29, 2004  

The Oneida Nation's gaming compact with the state of New York is invalid, a state judge ruled on Monday.

The tribe signed the agreement in 1993. But acting Supreme Court Justice James McCarthy said Cuomo "exceeded his authority" by failing to get legislative authority.

The suit was filed by the Upstate Citizens for Equality, an anti-treaty rights group. An attorney said the decision will help local residents fight the Oneida Nation's land claim case.

UCE filed a similar suit against the compact signed by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. A court invalidated the agreement but state lawmakers ratified it last month.

Get the Story:
Judge strikes down '93 pact that opened Turning Stone (AP 6/29)
Judge rules Turning Stone didn't get proper approval (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/29)