Cherokee Nation Same Sex Marriage Hearing Delayed

An Oklahoma lesbian couple will have to wait a little longer to find out if the Cherokee Nation will allow their marriage application.

At a short tribal hearing Friday, an agreement reached Thursday night between Dawn McKinley and Kathy Reynolds’ attorney and the tribal attorney was confirmed. Both parties agreed to keep a temporary injunction of the marriage license in place until the judge holds another hearing.


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In Maplewood, Saturday hours for registering domestic partners
By STEVE STRUNSKY
Associated Press writer


MAPLEWOOD, N.J. -- Approval of a domestic partnership bill was hardly unanimous in the state Legislature last winter: 37 lawmakers dissented from the measure that was signed into law Jan. 12.

But among the teens, moms, athletes and same-sex picnickers at Maplewood Memorial Park on Friday's muggy afternoon, support seemed undivided.

"I'm for it," said Van Betta, 22, a recent college graduate who was working out with other Ultimate Frisbee players at the park.

Maplewood's Democratic mayor and township committee, in a strong show of support, this week agreed to open Town Hall the day the law becomes effective. A party is also planned.


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Gay, wedded church workers may be fired
by Tom Musbach
PlanetOut Network


Gay employees of the Catholic Church in Massachusetts could be fired if they marry same-sex partners, according to a proposal the state's bishops are considering.


The Boston Herald reported on Thursday that the proposal is one of several under consideration in Massachusetts, the only U.S. state that allows same-sex couples to marry. A more lenient policy, which would allow church employees to follow their consciences, has also been proposed.


The Rev. Christopher Coyne, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston, confirmed the possible firings have been discussed among the bishops, adding, "It's obviously a very volatile issue."


"The church has long had a position that the people working on its behalf need to display conduct consistent with the beliefs of the church," Daniel Avila, associated director for policy and research at the Massachusetts Catholic Conference,