Ak-Chin Indian Community citizen secures decision in favor of marriage equality

Thursday, October 26, 2017  

The Ak-Chin Indian Community is accepting a ruling that requires the tribe to recognize all marriages.

Cleo Pablo, a tribal citizen and tribal employee, sued in 2015 when the tribe refused to recognize her marriage to Tara Roy-Pablo, a non-citizen. A tribal judge ruled that the tribe's stance violated its own constitution, as well as the Indian Civil Rights Act.

"You're taught growing up that you have to stand up for what's right," Pablo told the The Arizona Republic. "I actually did it."

Chairman Robert Miguel told the paper that the tribe won't contest the ruling. Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Pablo v. Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Read More on the Story:
Court orders Ak-Chin tribe to recognize marriages of same-sex couples (The Arizona Republic October 25, 2017)

Ak-Chin Indian Community sued for same-sex marriage ban (November 27, 2015)