New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has
said she does not support discrimination after a hair stylist
criticized her for opposing gay marriage.
According to KOB-TV
in Albuquerque, Antonio Darden, the owner of Antonio's Studio in
Santa Fe, abruptly decided Martinez was no longer welcome at his
business.
Darden, who said he previously cut the
governor's hair three times, refused to cut the governor's hair over
her opposition to gay marriage.
“I think it's just equality, dignity
for everyone,” said Darden, who is openly gay. “I think
everybody should be allowed the right to be together. My partner and
I have been together for 15 years.”
Martinez Spokesman Greg Blair told the
Los Angeles Times that while Martinez does not support
marriage equality, she is also opposed to discrimination.
“The governor has been very clear
that she does not support gay marriage,” Blair said, “but does
believe that all people should be judged on their merits and not
discriminated against.”
Martinez, a Republican, is not only
opposed to giving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry, she has
also said she would not sign legislation recognizing gay couples with
a domestic partnership.
“I would not sign the domestic
partnership bill,” Martinez said during her 2010 campaign. “It
is unnecessary and ill-advised, as most of the rights can be attained
through contracts and by power of attorney.”