The Coquille Tribe of Oregon will see its first same-sex marriage this weekend. Kitzen Branting, 26, a tribal member, will marry her partner, Jeni Branting, 28, on the reservation on Sunday. "My tribe recognizes the marriage, so that is really important to me," Kitzen Branting told The Oregonian. "Anytime we come to a tribal function, I know my marriage is just as valid as anyone else's marriage." The tribe passed a law last year to recognize same-sex marriages. It went into effect on Wednesday, a tribal attorney said. Oregon does not recognize same-sex marriages and neither does Washington, where the couple lives. It is not believed any other tribe have recognized same-sex marriages. Get the Story:
Coquille same-sex marriage law takes effect (The Oregonian 5/22)