The Little Traverse Band of Odawa Indians officiated the first same-sex marriage in the state of Michigan moments after signing the same-sex marriage bill.
/ upnorthlive.com photo
EMMET CO. -- After signing a bill allowing same-sex marriage, tribal chairman Dexter McNamara turned his attention to a wedding.
McNamara, the chairman of the Little Traverse Band of Odawa Indians officiated the first same-sex marriage in the state of Michigan moments after signing the same-sex marriage bill Friday morning.
Tim LaCroix and Gene Barfield tied the knot just after 10 am on Friday.
"I feel incredibly good and incredibly happy but I'm still wondering why everyone can't do this," LaCroix said after the nuptials.
The tribal legislative body voted to amend the tribe's law to allow same-sex marriage earlier this month in a 5-4 vote.
At least two other U.S. Indian tribes recognize gay marriage, but the Little Traverse Band is the first in Michigan. Michigan's constitution currently bans gay marriage.
