Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council amended their agenda at the last minute to pass a law clarifying the Nation’s current marriage act and specifically banning same-sex marriages."It is my legal opinion that our (Cherokee Nation) law defines marriage as between a man and a woman," said Todd Hembree, the attorney for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council who drafted the new law. "This law clears up any ambiguity, if there is any."
The only debate on the issue centered upon how the measure was presented.
"We’ve been meeting (all afternoon) and none of us got a chance to look at it until after the council meeting started," said Don Garvin, who represents Muskogee, McIntosh and Wagoner counties on the Tribal Council. "Linda [O’Leary, the law’s sponsor] sure keeps a good secret. As a Baptist deacon, I support it…but next time, let me know."
"This is an important piece of legislation, and we should be able to consider it in committee," said Jackie Bob Martin, who voted in favor of the ban and represents Adair County on the Tribal Council. "I don’t like having something dropped in our lap at the last minute."
The new marriage law passed unanimously.
In a 14-1 vote, the Council also voted to pass an authorization for the Principal Chief to sign limited waivers of sovereign immunity for business purposes.
"This is designed to increase our opportunities for business development and promote self-sufficiency," said Meredith Frailey, who represents Mayes County on the Tribal Council.
In other news, the Council approved a proposal to add $2.3 million to the Indian Housing Plan for this fiscal year, and amended the annual budget.
The Council also approved a law which would allow for informal meetings between the Principal Chief and the Council and amended the Cherokee Nation Motor Vehicle code.
The Council authorized the Cherokee Nation to apply for grants to prevent diabetes and obesity, as well as funding for the John A. Ketcher Youth Shelter.
The Council unanimously approved Principal Chief Chad Smith’s nominees for various boards and commissions. Confirmed were: Adolph Lechtenberger to the board of Cherokee Nation Enterprises and Tom Herrin, Pam Iron and Leticea Stevenson-Pablo as members of the board of the Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Care Agency.
The entire June 14 Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting can be viewed on the Cherokee Nation’s web site.
The next Cherokee Nation Tribal Council meeting is scheduled for July 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tribal Council Chambers at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex on Highway 62 south of Tahlequah.
| Related contact information: |
|
Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |