New Mexico Republicans this week
introduced a flurry of bills to ban the state from recognizing the
unions of gay and lesbian couples, the New Mexico Independent
reported.
Representative David Chavez is backing
two bills.
One measure seeks to define marriage as
a heterosexual union in the New Mexico Constitution. The second bill
would ban the state from recognizing the out-of-state marriages of
gay couples.
A third House bill introduced by
Representative Nora Espinoza would also ban gay marriage with a
constitutional amendment.
In the Senate, Senator William Sharer
is also backing a bill that would define marriage as between one man
and one woman.
Gay unions have become a contentious
issue in previous sessions as activists lobbied for domestic
partnerships, while opponents pitched gay marriage ban
simultaneously.
But the dynamics in this session might
have tipped in favor of ban supporters.
Unlike previous Democratic governors,
Republican Governor Susana Martinez opposes any recognition of gay
unions.
Three weeks ago, Attorney General Gary
King concluded that the out-of-state marriages of gay couples are
likely valid in New Mexico, uniting gay marriage foes.
“I believe that the citizens of New
Mexico, not only have a right, but have an obligation to define their
own culture,” Sharer told the AP. “Culture should not be defined
by a judge or an attorney general. This is something that the
citizens of New Mexico ought to have a right to vote on.”