The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians of California delayed action on a proposed "code of conduct" that could lead to fines and banishment for those who criticize the tribe.

Tribal leaders came up with the idea in hopes of protecting tribal businesses. It comes amid the disenrollment of more than 140 people from the tribe, some of whom staged a protest at the tribal casino earlier this month.

"Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, as long as it doesn’t impede the business being created for the general membership," Chairman Harvey Hopkins told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

The proposal says members who picket, demonstrate, distribute information or make speeches that affect the tribe could be fined or banished. Critics say it violates the Indian Civil Rights Act.

"It’s one of the latest mechanisms to place people in fear," said Liz De-Rouen, a former chairwoman who was disenrolled. "They don’t want the truth out there."

Get the Story:
Dry Creek tribe delays new rules (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 3/31)
Dry Creek Pomos weigh imposing 'code of conduct' (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 3/27)

Related Stories:
Protesters hit Dry Creek Band over disenrollment (3/9)
Dry Creek Band hopes to fix enrollment dispute (2/10)
Dry Creek Band plans to remove 73 from rolls (1/19)