ACTION ALERT: First Hearing Thursday on 2008 Domestic Partnership Bill

Sign the petition in support of the Domestic Partnership Act. Pass it on.

From Equality New Mexico:
The Legislative session has officially begun and we have the momentum to pass domestic partnership this year. The Legislation was pre-filed (as HB28) and has now been introduced and designated as HB 9, the Domestic Partnership Rights and Responsibilities Act, sponsored by Rep. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque). With the help of an amazing community volunteer team; Equality New Mexico has collected nearly 10,000 postcards urging the legislature to pass domestic partnership.

Yesterday Governor Bill Richardson made New Mexico History by officially placing HB 9 on his legislative call for the 30 day session. During the State of the State, Governor Richardson said:

"...The second point of unfinished business is to fully extend domestic partnership rights. Two people, who agree to spend their lives committed to each other, deserve to have the same legal protections for their families.  As a state whose diversity is its strength, we cannot accept discrimination in any form.  All families deserve our respect no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation."

We know that we have the support it will take to pass this legislation. We must now band together in this next fight for equality.

Keeping the momentum going ... This legislative session is only last 30 days, and will be extremely fast paced. We now know that the bill will be heard in House Consumer and Public Affairs on Thursday, January 17th, at 1:30 PM in the Roundhouse room 315.

It is extremely important that we mobilize as a community and get to this hearing to show our support for the HB 9. Last year supporters of Domestic Partnership outnumbered the opposition at least 3 to 1 at every hearing. This year we are aware of an opposition movement determined to spread their language of hate throughout the Roundhouse (click here to view opposition alert). Help us show Legislators that New Mexicans support fairness in overwhelming numbers.

Please let us know if you can make Thursday’s committee hearing by calling 505.224.2766 (We are trying to track how many supporters we will have so we can mobilize quickly if needed)

SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 4TH 2008 EQNM Lobby Day February 4th

Equality New Mexico is planning the largest lobbying effort for Equality in our history. It is our goal to gather 300 New Mexicans. It is our hope to have passed the House and be in the Senate around this point, this will be a critical time for us to build on our energy and help HB28 pass the full senate. With your help 2008 will be a historic year for All New Mexico Families.

Contact Chris Salas at chris@eqnm.org or 505.224.2766 to sign up for this important action.   

Equality New Mexico is fighting for full civil rights for ALL New Mexicans. Please help us continue the fight.  Make a donation today at our secure website at https://www.eqnm.org/donate.html or send a check to EQNM 1410 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104.

Editor's Note: This ain't marriage, folks. As stated on EQNM's website:

Couples who register for domestic partnership would be entitled to most of the legal protections of marriage under state law. However, domestic partners get none of the federal protections of marriage. Equality New Mexico does not contend that this legislation provides equality, and we will continue to fight until all New Mexicans are treated equally under the law.  However, this legislation goes a long way toward making sure all families have access to the basic protections all families deserve.