The Navajo Nation Council approved a resolution on Friday that outlaws same-sex marriages on the reservation and authorizes the tribe to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

The vote for the Din� Marriage Act of 2005 was reported to be 67-0. Two council delegates abstained, with Ervin Keeswood Sr. questioning the need for the measure and calling it a form of "discrimination," The Gallup Independent reported.

The resolution was introduced by delegate Larry Anderson. He said Navajo teachings restrict marriage to a man and a woman. His measure also bans marriage among close relatives.

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is the only other tribe known to have taken action to prevent its gay and lesbian citizens from entering into same-sex marriages.

Get the Story:
SAme-sex marriages not recognized by Navajo Nation (The Farmington Daily Times 4/23)
Navajo Nation officially bans same-sex marriage (The Gallup Independent 4/23)
Navajo ban gay unions (AP 4/23)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

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