Law
Boston moves to repeal old law banning Natives


The mayor of Boston late last month moved to repeal a 327-year-old law that bars Native Americans from entering the city unless accompanied by "musketeers."

Mayor Thomas M. Menino said the 1675 Indian Imprisonment Act was discriminatory. He filed a petition that has to be approved by the city council and then by the Massachusetts Legislature.

Several tribal and Native leaders joined Menino for the announcement, made the day before Thanksgiving. They called it a step forward in reconciliation.

Massachusetts has one federally-recognized tribe.

Get the Story:
Old Blue Laws Are Hitting Red Lights (The Washington Post 12/4)
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Menino seeks to repeal 1675 law against Native Americans (The Boston Globe 11/25)
Mayor to Repeal Indian Imprisonment Act from 1675 (Mayor Menino 11/24)