The Coquille Tribe of Oregon has passed a law to recognize same-sex marriage. The tribe acted on the request of Kitzen Branting, 25, one of its members. She plans to marry her longtime partner, Jeni Branting, 27, who is non-Indian. Jeni and Kitzen Branting are already recognized as domestic partners in Washington. Their marriage under Coquille law is believed to be the first in Indian Country. The couple might run into problems elsewhere, as the federal Defense of Marriage Act says states, tribes and the federal government aren't required to recognize same-sex marriages performed by other states or tribes. Get the Story:
New tribal law allows couple to plan wedding (The Eugene Register-Guard 8/21)
Gay marriage in Oregon? Tribe says yes (The Oregonian 8/21