The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota passed a special resolution today in anticipation of blocking any protests at the funeral of Nathan Goodiron, a tribal member who was killed in Afghanistan.
The tribe acted after the Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas, a group that proclaims "hate" for gay and lesbian people, said it would come to the Fort Berthold Reservation for Goodiron's funeral on Saturday. The church's website calls for pickets at the ceremony [Flyer].
�The tribal business council believes it is in our best interest, as the elected leaders to protect the honor of our tribal soldiers and the honor of all tribal members by prohibiting any protestors, Indian or non-Indian, access to the Fort Berthold Reservation," Chairman Marcus Wells Jr. said in a statement.
The Westboro group has brought its anti-gay message to funerals across the country. Attempts to stop church members, including relatives of its leader Fred Phelps, have failed elsewhere.
"Our entire reservation is grieving the loss of Cpl. Nathan Goodiron," Wells said. "We will not tolerate any harassment that is intended to provoke ill feelings and violence."
Goodiron, 25, was killed in a firefight on Thanksgiving Day. His body came home yesterday. Also returning to the reservation was his first cousin, Claude "C.J." O�Berry, who was injured in the attack.
A wake for Goodiron was taking place today. The funeral is scheduled for 9:15am tomorrow in New Town, on the reservation.
Wells said the tribe has notified state and federal authorities about its resolution that outlaws any pickets or protests. Anyone who violates the law will be charged with a misdemeanor. Any non-members will be excluded from the reservation.
"It is the wish of the tribal business council to allow the services for Cpl. Goodiron to proceed with dignity, honor and respect," Wells said.
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