The Cherokee Nation's top court is holding a hearing tomorrow to determine the legality of the first, and only, same-sex marriage within the tribe.

Kathy Reynolds, 28, and Dawn McKinley, 33, obtained a marriage license last year when Dawn was barred from Kathy's hospital room because she was not considered a family member. The move prompted the Cherokee Nation council to pass a bill that restricts marriage to male-female couples.

Reynolds and McKinley say their marriage isn't hurting anyone. They are surprised by the controversy it generated and had trouble finding someone to take their case. After the couple looked elsewhere, the National Center for Lesbian Rights agreed to argue it before the Cherokee court.

Get the Story:
Battle Over Gay Marriage Plays Out in Indian Country (The Washington Post 8/1)
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Relevant Links:
Native Out - http://www/nativeout.com
Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits - http://www.baaits.org
Dine Coalition for Cultural Preservation - http://www.dinecoalition.com

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