Encouraging Marriage Developments

This is the text of a press release we just sent out:

Statewide LGBTQ Group Encouraged On Marriage Equality

Las Cruces and Gallup – On the heals of Santa Fe City Attorney Geno Zamora's opinion that marriage equality is already legal in New Mexico, Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins is seeking an opinion from the Attorney General. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is encouraged by these developments on the marriage equality front.

“County Clerk Ellins' request that Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, seek an immediate opinion from the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General about whether same-sex marriage licenses can be issued by county clerks' offices statewide is potentially a huge step forward for same gender couples in New Mexico,” states David Stocum, Executive Director of New Mexico GLBTQ Centers.

According to press reports, "I am hopeful, as is my staff, that ours can be the office that shifts the tide in the State of New Mexico," Ellins said. "With Rep. McCamley's assistance, we will soon have in hand an opinion that will clarify the matter statewide."

“The tide has been turning in our favor, the US Supreme Court is hearing arguments next week regarding the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8. This is another opportunity to do the right thing,” says Stocum, “and it's fabulous it's here in New Mexico.”

Stocum concluded, “Our thanks to Santa Fe City Attorney Zamora, Mr. Ellins and Rep. McCamley for taking the lead in this latest effort at full equality for LGBTQ New Mexicans.”

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is a statewide organization based in Las Cruces whose mission is to reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer through education, advocacy, support, example and collaboration.

For more information on New Mexico GLBTQ Centers; visit www.newmexicoglbtqcenters.org or stop by the centers at 1210 N. Main Street in Las Cruces or 105 Dean Street in Gallup.