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Two same-sex couples on Thursday tried but failed to obtain marriage licenses at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office.
County staffers told the couples that state law calls for a male applicant and a female applicant. Also, they said, the couples didn’t have all the proper records, such as a Social Security card, needed for the license.
“I’m upset. Love should have no boundaries,” said Brittany Arneson, who tried to marry her partner, Amy Vesper.
About a half dozen activists carried signs and watched as the applicants tried to obtain licenses. Also denied were Stayce Driskell and Lisa Taj McCellon.
McCellon said they deserved “the same rights as other New Mexicans.”
Amy Vesper, left, and Brittany Arneson wait inside the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office on Thursday as they unsuccessfully tried to get a marriage license. (MARLA BROSE/JOURNAL)
The couples and county staff members were polite as they discussed whether the licenses could be issued. One clerk advised the couples that they could contact their state legislators to seek a change in state law.
It was much quieter than a similar effort on Valentine’s Day, when two women were arrested for refusing to move from the clerk’s office.
Thursday’s group carried signs — one read “All Families Matter, Give Us Equal Rights” — but the protesters didn’t interrupt other business in the clerk’s office. Sheriff’s deputies were on hand but didn’t get involved.
Arneson said Thursday’s protest was timed to coincide with a court hearing in Texas for a same-sex couple arrested because they refused to leave after they were denied a marriage license.
— This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at dmckay@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3566
