When an Oregon county announced it would issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Paul Lumley and Phillipe Hillaire, who have been together for 18 years, were among those in line.
Lumley is a member of the Yakama Nation. Hillaire is a member of the Lummi Nation. Both tribes are based in Washington.
Lumley told The Oregonian that the couple will have a Native ceremony in honor of their commitment. The couple received a license on Wednesday.
Multnomah County in Oregon, the city of San Francisco and two mayors in New York have been issuing same-sex marriage licenses despite objections from legal officials, conservative groups and President Bush, who has proposed a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) said he opposes the amendment and wouldn't mind if voters revoked a state law against same-sex marriage.
A county in New Mexico that is home to several tribes issued licenses but was told to stop by the state attorney general.
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(The Oregonian 3/4)
Native couple among first for same-sex marriage
Friday, March 5, 2004
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