New Mexico State Rep. David Chavez on
Tuesday introduced a proposed constitutional amendment which would
define marriage as a heterosexual union.
If approved by lawmakers and voters in
November, the amendment would bar the state from recognizing gay and
lesbian couples with marriage, civil unions and possibly domestic
partnerships.
Chavez, a freshman Republican
representative, is an attorney from Los Lunas.
At its Wednesday meeting, the Santa Fe
City Council approved a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Patti
Bushee opposing the measure, OnTheRoadToEquality.com
reported.
“The Santa Fe City Council stood with
New Mexico families last night, and sent a clear message to
legislators: that in New Mexico we celebrate diversity, we respect
our neighbors, and we value our families. All of our families,”
said Jacob Candelaria, president of Equality New Mexico.
Candelaria added that he hopes
lawmakers will focus on the issues that matter most to New Mexicans.
“My sincere hope is that all
legislators, including Rep. David Chavez, will spend their time
focusing on what matters most to New Mexicans: education, jobs, and
the economy,” he said.
In previous sessions, lawmakers have
turned down bills to recognize gay couples with domestic
partnerships.