Dem-Sponsored DOMA Bill Gains Passage in NM Senate Public Affairs

From Equality New Mexico:
By a vote of 5-4, Senate Bill 816, Senator Lidio Rainaldi’s Definition of Marriage Act received a “Do Pass” recommendation out of the Senate Public Affairs Committee. After a very muddled, confusing and often offensive presentation from Senator Rainaldi (D-Gallup), the Committee heard testimony from the audience.

Once again, those in opposition to the DOMA far outnumbered those in support. The testimony was moving and heartfelt and helped to swing the vote of Sen. Mary Kay Papen (D-Las Cruces) to our side. In a vote that she clearly struggled with, Sen. Papen voted to table the Bill and when that motion was defeated, voted “Do Not Pass.” Two years ago, Sen. Papen supported the DOMA. We are making progress! (Editor's Note: You might want to contact Sen. Papen and thank her for her support.)

For a brief moment it seemed as if we might have a chance at tabling the DOMA. However, Sen. David Ulibarri (D-Cibola, Socorro & Valencia), the swing vote on the committee, ended up voting to support the DOMA. Sen. Ulibarri seemed to struggle with his vote and explained that he thought it needed more scrutiny in Senate Judiciary. Sen. Ulibarri is a freshman Senator who may very well be swayable on these issues, but clearly needs more education.

SB 816 is now on its way to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It will be very difficult to defeat this legislation in the Senate, but we must continue to try.

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