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Tuesday, February 02, 2010
N.M. Demonstrators Back Partnership Bill
By Susan Montoya Bryan
The Associated Press
Dozens of supporters gathered Monday at the New Mexico Capitol in support of a domestic partnership bill that has the backing of Gov. Bill Richardson but faces tough opposition from Republicans and conservative Democrats.
The measure would give unmarried same-sex and opposite-sex couples the legal protections and benefits of married couples on issues ranging from medical decision-making to adoption and child support.
The crowd outside the Capitol erupted into cheers and many pumped their fists into the frigid air when bill sponsor Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, suggested that lawmakers pass the measure and prove New Mexico is a progressive state.
"It's time to end government discrimination of New Mexico citizens," Stewart said.
Some in the crowd carried signs that read "Fairness for All" and "Yes on SB183."
Critics, including the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, argue that domestic partnerships are a steppingstone to same-sex marriage. Supporters contend the issue is about civil rights.
The legislation, to be considered today during a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Public Affairs committees, is more than 800 pages long. It attempts to deal with all references in state law to rights and benefits involving marriage.
Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, told the crowd that the measure stands a good chance of passing in the House but getting it through the Senate will be the challenge, as it has been for the last couple of years. Despite past failures to get the measure to the governor's desk, he encouraged the crowd not to give up.
"Don't you worry, we're in this for the long haul," he said.
Linda Siegle, a lobbyist for Equality New Mexico, said many European countries and Canada have some form of civil unions, domestic partnerships or marriage, but more than 30 U.S. states lack nondiscrimination legislation.
"We must not let a session pass that we don't bring up the inequality and injustice that our families face," she said. "We have to be here. We will continue to be here every year until gay and lesbian people share in the same rights as other New Mexicans."
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