New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and
Martin Heinrich and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan are calling on the state's
highest court to legalize gay marriage in the state.
In October, the New Mexico Supreme
Court heard arguments in a case that seeks to clarify whether gay
couples are allowed to marry in the state. A ruling is expected any
day now.
“I am very hopeful that the New
Mexico Supreme Court will find that our constitution supports full
equality for all our citizens,” said Heinrich in a statement.
“Marriage is the foundation of a strong community and I will do all
I can to secure and protect this freedom for loving gay and lesbian
couples and their families.”
Udall also reiterated his support: “I
enthusiastically support the freedom to marry for everyone in New
Mexico.”
The debate in New Mexico was ignited by
Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins, who announced on August 21 that
New Mexico's marriage laws, which are phrased in a gender-neutral
manner, do not prohibit gay couples from marrying and independently
began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Seven counties,
representing nearly 60 percent of the state's population, have joined
Dona Ana in issuing such licenses, some by court order.
“Now that legally married same-sex
couples can access the critical federal protections so necessary in
times of stress and crisis, it is important to ensure that every
couple can make that personal choice of marriage,” Lujan said.
“Gay and lesbian couples make the same contributions and sacrifices
that we all do, including paying taxes, owning businesses and caring
for their families. It is time everyone is treated equally under the
law.”
New
Mexico Unites for Marriage, the umbrella group working to move
New Mexico into the marriage equality column, thanked the lawmakers for
their support.
“We are extremely grateful to have
Sens. Udall and Heinrich and Congressman Lujan onboard to support our
work to win and defend marriage equality,” said Robert Adams, the
group's campaign manager. “Over 1,700 same-sex couples have
already married in New Mexico, and that fundamental freedom belongs
to everyone in the state. New Mexico Unites for Marriage is
committed to making that dream a reality.”