See June 4th update below
Hey, this is step in the right direction.
I was very disappointed when the Navajo council passed the proposed law, dubbed the Diné Marriage Act of 2005, by a unanimous vote April 22 that would have banned same-sex marriages on the reservation.
The measure awaited the Navajo president's signature. I am very pleased to announce that he vetoed the measure and had some very sensible comments on it. (emphasis mine)
Saying it is "unnecessary legislation," the head of the Navajo Nation has vetoed a measure that would have banned same-sex marriages on the tribe's sprawling reservation.
"Same-sex marriage is a non-issue on Navajoland," said Joe Shirley, Jr. "So why waste time and resources on it? We have more important issues to address."
The legislation would have added language to the Navajo Code defining marriage as between a man and a woman, would have outlawed such things as marriage between grandparents and grandchildren...
huh?
more below...
...and stated that the purpose of marriage on the Navajo Nation is to
promote strong families and to preserve and strengthen family values.
The law would also have banned marriage between tribal members of the same sex - that last bit receiving national publicity.
In vetoing the bill, Shirley said that while he supports family stability, the Diné Marriage Act makes no mention of domestic problems in the tribe such as family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, gangs and the breakdown of the Navajo family in general.
Shirley also said the legislation would "generate feelings of disharmony and disunity among the Navajo people" and "veiled a discriminatory aspect in the guise of family values." Shirley said that goes against traditional Navajo teachings.
It bears repeating: "veiled a discriminatory aspect in the guise of family values."
If you would like you may send an email of encouragement to President Joe Shirley.
Update [2005-6-4 13:29:16 by navajo]:
Well, I was afraid this would happen.
The Navajo Nation's tribal government gathered enough votes Friday to override the president's veto even though a petition supporting the president's voice gathered over 1000 signatures.
"In the traditional Navajo ways, gay marriage is a big no-no," said Kenneth Maryboy, a delegate from Montezuma Creek, Utah. "It all boils down to the circle of life. We were put on the earth to produce offspring."
The Tribal Council vote was 62-14, with 12 delegates abstaining or absent, to override Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr.'s veto last month.
"My feeling is that the reason they overrode the president's veto is that they have a huge animosity toward the president," said Percy Anderson, a gay rights organizer who started a Web site and petition to lobby against the marriage act.
Anderson, who previously held an elected office in the tribe's Manuelito, N.M., chapter, said he believes the council is locked in a power struggle. "They want to show the president that they are the governing body," Anderson said.
Maryboy disagreed, saying his constituents overwhelming oppose gay marriage and generally disapprove of gay relationships.
"My supporters told me to stay firmly against it, especially the ministers who join people in marriage," he said.
A spokesman for Shirley said he will issue a statement override over the weekend.
Delegate Larry Anderson of Fort Defiance, Ariz., author of the Dine Marriage Act, did not return numerous phone calls seeking comment.
Kenneth Maryboy is obviously a modern Navajo under the century old influence of Christianity.
Christian organized religion is behind this bigotry and is guilty of destroying indigenous cultures all over the world.
Here is an excerpt from the petition:
We implore the Navajo Nation Council to give full consideration of these laws and the significant role they have on all life ways. Passage of the Dine Marriage Act of 2005 will undermine the effort of ensuring healthy families by invoking blatant discrimination toward "different" members of the family structure. We must all remember that our parents have given birth to sons and daughters of the third gender and as a result we should tolerate, accept, embrace, and indeed, celebrate all life ways.
This third gender is also referred to as "two-spirit people." The Native American Cultural Center of San Francisco
explains the place of two-spirit People in ancient tradition.
Members of the Native American Cultural Center of San Francisco denounced the action toward two-spirits, calling the act intrusive and based on Christianity, a newcomer to indigenous peoples.
''We are shocked and saddened that the Navajo Tribal Council would attempt to make such an intrusive decision into the personal lives of its members,'' the group said in a statement to Indian Country Today.
''To pass such divisive legislation for the defense of 'tradition,' 'values' and 'society' confuses our own indigenous traditions with newer Christian political rhetoric.''
Native American Center Chairman Andrew Brother Elk released the statement with Randy Burns, board member and co-founder of the Gay American Indians and contributor to ''Living with the Spirit,'' and Gabriel Duncan, poet and novelist.
''Whatever the reason for this unnecessary legislation, it is misinformed. As Dine' traditionalists have pointed out, two-spirit people have always played an important role in the life of the people. To our Dine' brothers and sisters, two-spirit people are well known in stories, legends and creation accounts.
''Two-spirit people have ceremonial roles in dances, songs, feasts, medicine and war activities. Two-spirit people are part of ancient traditions, and it is traditional to value all living beings on this earth. We are all made in a sacred manner, not just a select few.''
Ancient tradition is obviously lost on the majority of the Navajo council.