New Mexico Forging Ahead with Equality?

Both supporters and opponents of Senate Bill 12, a measure that would allow unmarried couples to legally have the same rights as married couples showed up to watch the debate on the issue Thursday at the New Mexico Senate gallery.

The Senate Judiciary Committee considered the Bill on Wednesday, then sent it to the Senate floor without any recommendations.

If passed, the measure will would permit both gay and straight couples to file an affidavit with the county clerk which would register them as domestic partners. The partnership could also be dissolved like divorces, in district courts.

The bill is expected to be voted on sometime Thursday, but no word yet.  Check back for updates.

New Mexico: A Gay Progressive?

The New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to pass legislation to the full Senate that would create gay and straight domestic partnerships in the state.

State Senator Cisco McSorley introduced The Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, or Senate Bill 12 , which would provide committed gay and lesbian couples “marriage-like” benefits.

New Mexico falls is one of the few states that have not passed legislation either for or against gay marriage, but the state’s governor, Bill Richardson, has promised to sign any bill that supports gay rights. The state outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 2003.

Although the though of “marriage-like” benefits are better than no benefits at all, is this really a progressive move, or merely an attempt to appease the LGBT community without providing full equality?  What’s your opinion?

Richardson’s Withdrawal May Be Boost for GLBT

Yesterday the nominee for Commerce Secretary, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, withdrew from his nomination. He said a federal investigation into political donations from a company awarded contracts by the New Mexico state government would not be completed in time for him to begin work.

Since then, Equal Rep, a grassroots political organization committed to full representation of GLBT-identified people in all facets of government, has urged the President-elect to nominate Fred Kochberg. The group stated:

“In more than 200 years, the United States Cabinet has never included an openly gay member.  Growing national focus on GLBT civil rights has therefore made the Secretary of Commerce appointment a national issue in the struggle for equal representation. Fred Hochberg is the most qualified candidate for the job.”

Mr. Hochberg has more than 25 years of experience in business, government, civil rights activities, and philanthropy.

New Mexico Moves Closer to Equality

When the New Mexico state legislature re-convenes on January 20, 2009, one of the first bills to be considered is House bill, HB 21, a domestic partnership bill which is sponsored by Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuqurque.

The Bill would establish that two unmarried people who live together as a committed couple are entitled to receive the same “rights and responsibilities” under state law as a married couple. Both straight and gay couples could become domestic partners by filing the proper paperwork and paying the processing fee to the county clerk.

Linda Siegle, a lobbyist for Equality New Mexico stated;

“Passage of the legislation would be hugely significant for a couple who wants their relationship to have legal protections.  People will be able to inherit without having a will. They’ll be able to visit in the hospital and make decisions on their partner’s behalf, just like spouses may do now. They’ll also be eligible for state retirement benefits. And these are just a few of the benefits that married couples now have that unmarried couples do not.”

GLBT Halloween Ball to be Held In Las Cruces

From the Southwest LGBT Press lease join Southern New Mexico Pride for An 80’s Halloween Ball from 8:00-11:00 p.m. on Halloween night, Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Las Cruces Country Club.

The Ball will feature a costume contest, door prizes, a cash bar and all the 80’s music you can shake a broomstick at! Admission is $15 per person.

All ghosts, goblins, vampires, and witches 18 years and older are welcome.
Dress as wild and crazy as your imagination will allow.

All proceeds will go to fund Southern New Mexico Pride – celebrating diversity in Las Cruces. Pride puts on the Pride parade and celebration each June in Las Cruces.

For More Info Click Here!