This August, the Coquille Indian Tribe on the southern Oregon coast adopted a law allowing same-sex marriages at the request of a tribal member and her partner. The Coquille are the first tribe to adopt this type of law, although Professor Robert Miller, an Indian law expert, said Congress may intervene. Historically, tribes have authority over domestic issues, but Congress has the power to take these rights away. “Congress is the 900-pound gorilla in the corner,” Miller said.

Professor Bill Funk, a Constitutional law expert, points out that, because the federal law does not recognize same-sex marriages, it may be difficult for the couple to receive Social Security and other federal benefits.

Associated Press (Portland, Ore.) Oregon tribe to allow same-sex marriages