Hmong legislators do not support cultural marriage bill regarding Mej Koob

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March 20, 2006
Toni Randolph - Reporter, Cy Thao - Interviewee, Ilean Her - Interviewee, Wes Skoglund - Interviewee, Mee Moua - Interviewee
Listen: Hmong legislators do not support cultural marriage bill
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MPR’s Toni Randolph reports on a bill making its way through the state Senate that would allow recognition of Hmong cultural marriages by the state of Minnesota. The measure would give the negotiators between families in Hmong cultural weddings the authority to perform legal marriages, but the bill is getting resistance from some Hmong leaders.

The Hmong marriage legislation focuses on the role of the Mej Koob. In Hmong cultural weddings, the Mej Koob don't formalize the union, but rather, they negotiate the terms of the marriage. Usually there are two -- one for the bride's family and one for the groom's.

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