WINDOW ROCK, April 25, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Tribal Council of the Navajo Nation has outlawed same sex ‘marriage’ citing spiritual reasons. The Navajo Nation, a huge reservation that spans parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, is a semi-autonomous political unit within the US and can make laws that are binding upon its residents. The three states with which it shares territory also do not allow homosexuals to register their partnerships as legitimate marriage.
The Council voted unanimously citing the already existing inclusions of the terms, ‘man’ and ‘woman.’ The measure, called the Diné Marriage Act, also outlaws polygamy or polyandry (multiple husbands), and marriage between close relatives.
Del. Lorenzo Curley said Navajo leaders wanted to send a message to young people to respect and live by the tribe’s traditional beliefs. “We are here to defend the foundation of our society. That’s what is at stake here,” he said.
“Men and women have been created in a sacred manner. We need to honor this,” said Del. Harriet Becenti.
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