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.
“We wanted to do something peacefully, and with pretty gold,” Susan Young of Equality New Mexico said of the group’s effort to surround the state capitol with a gold lame fabric engagement ring to bring attention to the issue of marriage equality.
Wenda Watch, who organized the event, said she hoped to gain national attention for the event by setting the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest engagement ring.
Corey Horne, who ran around the capitol building for the 15 minutes required by Guinness for the record, shouted encouraging words at ring bearers, many of whom chatted with one another or tried to engage passers-by during the rally. Approximately 150 supporters stood outside the state capitol holding the fabric.
Although the October special session will focus on the state’s budget deficit rather than legislation, Equality New Mexico and its supporters feel that it’s important to “keep [the issue] fresh in everyone’s mind,” according to James Herrera who, with his mother and a family friend, made the ring.
“We wanted to do something positive and creative rather than hold just another rally,” Horne told NMI.
Among the supporters were Thomas Chelena and Daniel Malachowski, a couple who recently moved to Santa Fe from Houston. Malachowski was delighted to see his new community come out in such support of marriage because “civil union is not equality, it’s like having different drinking fountains.”
Chelena said that for her, marriage equality is about embracing individuality, a “God-given right,” that has nothing to do with religion but with “civil rights and equality for all.”
The peaceful protest, which most participants learned about via Facebook or a Santa Fe listserv, brought out both LBGT and straight supporters, but no visible opposition.
The ring, which completely circled the Roundhouse, was lifted to allow foot traffic to pass; Several spoke words of encouragement as they ducked under the fabric.
NMI caught up with organizer Wenda Watch via Facebook immediately after the rally. She was quite pleased with the turnout, saying in an instant message, “I am sorry that I had to be in Florida for the Inter-Pride conference (A world wide gathering of Pride organizations sharing info on how to improve Pride worldwide) but I am so thrilled so many New Mexicans showed up and showed their support for Marriage Equality. When I came up with the idea I wasn’t sure it would take off but I am so amazed at the huge response it has received. I think it really shows how important Marriage Equality is to New Mexicans. As soon as I hear back from Guinness World’s Records I will let everyone know!”
Patricia Sauthoff is a freelance journalist in Santa Fe.
