The Lumbee Tribal Council voted Thursday night (April 16) to move a constitutional amendment forward that would allow gaming on Lumbee tribal land , setting up a future vote for tribal members after hours of testimony and debate. Council leaders said the proposal is meant to put the final decision in the hands of Lumbee citizens and could open a path to long-term economic growth. Critics said the language could shift too much authority to tribal leadership, reduce direct voter control and expose the tribe to outside federal influence. After a late roll-call vote, council members announced they had cleared the required two-thirds threshold. “We have met the two-thirds quorum. At this time, the amendments passed,” the speaker declared to applause. The measure now goes to the Lumbee membership for a referendum. Council officials said “a yes vote is for the authorize the tribe into gaming,” while a no vote would leave the constitution unchanged.…