The chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says money, not gender bias or discrimination, was behind the firing of three tribal court judges.

Chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder said the tribe was negotiating with the judges over their pay. He said they were removed because they didn't do their jobs pending the conclusion of contract talks.

Lorrie Miner, Lola Agard and Leslie Temple-Gipp, however, say they were forced out because of their gender and for their views that the tribal court should remain free from tribal council influence. They have filed a lawsuit to challenge their removal.

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Tribal chairman: Judges not discriminated against (AP 4/13)

Relevant Links:
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe - http://www.standingrock.org