Same-sex marriage isn't an issue for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina but a local pastor says it's only a matter of time.

The Eastern Band extends "full faith and credit" to any marriage that is considered legal in any state or reservation. That would appear to recognize a same-sex union that was performed under Cherokee Nation law in Oklahoma until the tribe banned such marriages.

Merritt Youngdeer Sr., a Baptist preacher, hopes that doesn't happen but he told The Asheville Citizen-Times that the tribe will have to confront gay marriage soon enough. "It's coming," he said.

Get the Story:
Lesbian couple seek tribe's legal blessing (The Asheville Citizen-Times 8/9)

Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision:
In the matter of Reynolds and McKinley (August 3, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org
National Center for Lesbian Rights - http://www.nclrights.org
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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