Compacts | Litigation

State asks court to wait for BIA answer on Wampanoag pact

Friday, September 21, 2012

The state of Massachusetts is asking a federal judge to wait for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a decision on a Class III gaming compact for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

The compact was sent to the BIA in late August. An answer is due by October 15 so the state is asking the judge to wait before moving forward with a lawsuit that challenges the tribal provisions of H.3702, the state's gaming law.

On the other hand, K.G. Urban Enterprises, a non-Indian developer that's challenging the law, wants to move forward and is asking the state for more information about its dealings with the tribe. The company's main argument is that setting aside a casino for "a federally recognized tribe" violates the U.S. Constitution.

KG is also opposing a motion by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe to intervene in the case. The state isn't taking a position on the motion.

Get the Story:
Casino developer wants answers from governor (The New Bedford Standard-Times 9/21)