Gay marriage amendment fails
Two Democrats and five Republicans united Thursday to block a bill that would have allowed a public vote on gay marriage in New Mexico.
The proposal failed 7-4 in the House Voters and Elections Committee. Democratic Reps. Mary Helen Garcia of Las Cruces and Debbie Rodella of Espanola joined with the committee’s five Republicans to stop the initiative.
EgolfSponsored by Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, the proposed constitutional amendment said marriage licenses could not be denied on the basis that both applicants were of the same gender. His measure also provided that no church or religious institution would have to perform a marriage ceremony that conflicted with its beliefs.
Three military veterans testified for the bill, saying they fought for their country only to be denied the right to marry the person they loved.
More at http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/newmexico/ .
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