I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
With the recent additions of Iowa and Vermont (not to mention Washington D.C.) to the ranks of states that allow same-sex marriage, some New Mexico Democrats hope the Land of Enchantment joins that short list soon.
In fact, these local Democrats are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage to be added to the state Democratic Party platform. In this year’s legislative session, domestic partnership failed after a floor vote in the Senate, but Gov. Bill Richardson is open to adding the domestic partnership proposal to a special session later this year.
“If the marriage resolution passed, that should send some message to legislators that action should be taken,” Liz Stefanics, a state party central committee member, Santa Fe County commissioner and former state senator, told the Albuquerque Journal.
The bloggers and activists at Democracy for New Mexico advocated for adding gay marriage to the Democratic platform at the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County Central Committee hearing earlier this year.
Barb Wold wrote:
The energy in the hall was electric on this one, as a series of commenters — some gay, some straight — spoke in favor of the proposal. The resolution was passed on a voice vote — with only a few NOs emanating from the crowd. It was a satisfying show of support from our fellow Dems. Perhaps most importantly, it sparked a lot of discussion and thoughtful responses inside the hall and beyond. So many folks came up to us afterwards and pledged to help and get more active on this issue — including County Party officers. So many Dems — gay and straight — made it clear they’re ready to keep this issue on the front burner of local Democratic politics. And we will, one way or another, whatever it takes.
However, there is resistance against adding support for gay marriage to the Democratic Party platform. The Albuquerque Journal notes that Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Española, doesn’t think gay marriage “belongs” on the Democratic platform. Martinez was one of ten Democratic state senators to vote against domestic partnership.
“I think the general consensus of the Democratic Party is (gay marriage) shouldn’t be part of the party platform,” Martinez told the Albuquerque Journal.
State Democratic Party chairman Brian Colon, however, predicted the proposal would go through.
Colón predicted the resolution will be approved Saturday, saying he considers it to be a basic civil rights issue and adding, “We are a big tent.”
