New Mexico State Senator William Sharer
has introduced legislation aimed at altering the state's constitution
to define marriage as a heterosexual union.
Sharer filed his bill Thursday in
reaction to a New Mexico Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage
in the state.
(Related: New
Mexico: 17th
state to legalize gay marriage.)
Sharer led the legal effort to uphold
an interpretation of the state's marriage laws that excludes gay and
lesbian couples.
The Republican lawmaker told ABC
Albuquerque affiliate KOAT that he drafted the proposed amendment
before the court issued its ruling.
“I had it drafted weeks ago and it
was just sitting there waiting until I said go,” Sharer said.
“[Gay marriage opponents] need to get on the phone and start
calling and emailing their legislators.”
“My constituents are very much in
favor of marriage as has been known in every culture, on every
continent, in every era. And that's between one man and one woman,”
he added.
While reiterating her opposition to
marriage equality, Republican Governor Susana Martinez called for
unity following the court's decision.
“As we move forward, I am hopeful
that we will not be divided, as we must come together to tackle very
pressing issues,” she
said in a statement.
Sharer introduced a similar
unsuccessful measure in 2011.
(Related: New
Mexico GOPer William Sharer: Gay men should stop “whoring,” marry
women.)