Same-Sex Oklahoma Couple Marry Under Tribal Law

Although same-sex marriage is illegal in Oklahoma, a NativeAmerican couple is planning on taking advantage of tribal law to marry.

Darren Black Bear and Jason Pickel of Oklahoma City weregranted a marriage license last week from the Cheyenne and Arapahoe TribalCourt.  They plan on marrying October 31.

In response to the assertion that they found a loophole,Pickel says they are getting married in the sovereign nation of theCheyenne Arapahoe Tribe, not Oklahoma.  ATribe spokeswoman says issuing a marriage certificate under tribal law requiresonly that both spouses be of Native American descent and live within the tribe’sjurisdiction. 

See Heide Brandes,Native American Gay Couple to TakeAdvantage of Tribal Law to Marry, Reuters, Oct. 22, 2013.

Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorneyat Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to myattention.