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US: Native lesbian couple overjoyed about Oglala Sioux Tribe same-sex marriage ruling
The Oglala Sioux Tribe says they're making history by becoming the first tribe in South Dakota to legalize same-sex marriage. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states, but that federal ruling did not apply to the Lakota, Nakota, or Dakota tribes, also known as Oceti Sakowin tribes of South Dakota.
Earlier in July in a 12 to 3 vote, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council passed a same-sex marriage ordinance. Felipa De Leon and Monique "Muffie" Mousseau helped bring forward the same-sex marriage law, and they say those "yes" votes helped change the lives of the next generation.
"It was awesome. It was like, 'We did it. We finally did it,'" said Felipa De Leon.
Four years ago, De Leon and Mousseau wanted to get married where they grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation, but when they found out they couldn't get married there, the pair instead opted to tie the knot at Mount Rushmore. And Mousseau says life as an openly gay couple was not always smooth sailing.
"I had my tires blown out. All my windows smashed on my brand new car and I had "faggot" written on the side of my house in spray paint." said Mousseau. Despite the pain and hate they endured, Mousseau says she and her wife realize they're paving the way for the future generations of LGBT Natives. Read more via KOTA