Ak-Chin woman sues tribe to recognize same-sex marriage

MARICOPA, Ariz. (AP) – A member of the Ak-Chin Indian Community in a same-sex marriage is suing the tribe to recognize the union.

American Indian tribes as sovereign nations are not subject to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage. The Ak-Chin Law and Order Code specifically bans same-sex marriages and does not recognize those performed off the reservation.

Cleo Pablo filed her lawsuit Wednesday in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court, alleging violations of equal protection, the Indian Civil Rights Act and due process. She says she’s been denied rights and benefits granted to heterosexual couples.

Pablo married Tara Roy-Pablo, a non-tribal member, in May under Arizona law.

An attorney for the tribe, William Strickland Jr., did not immediately respond to request for comment Wednesday.