Proposal to allow same-sex marriage in Navajo Nation struck down by first of four committees

A proposal to allow same-sex couples to marry in Navajo Nation did not pass the vote of the first of four committees that will vote on it before it heads to the tribal council.

The proposal seeks to repeal part of the Diné Marriage Act, a 2005 bill that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The part of the bill being targeted also prohibits polygamy and incest, but the proposal to repeal it is specific only to the language related to the sexual orientation of married couples.

The move to change the definition of a married couple comes from Delegate Eugene Tso, who introduced the bill in March. Once introduced, it became eligible for a vote by four separate committees, which would each render their decision to the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council makes the final decision.

The bill failed in its first committee vote this week, with Delegates Carl Slater and Charlaine Tso voted in favor of the legislation and delegates Paul Begay, Pernell Halona and Edison Wauneka in opposition.

The opposing committee members largely opposed the bill because they believe it is a matter for the Navajo people to decide, and not the council, according to Begay. “If the government is going to be involved in marriage then everyone needs to be equal. It’s as simple as that,” Slater said.

In explaining why he introduced the bill, Tso said, “When a baby is born, everyone is joyful but when the baby grows up and talks about their homosexuality, they face criticism and they can be bullied and teased by family members, friends and community members.”

The bill now moves to the next of the four committees for another vote.