« ‘Freedom of Choice Act’ Rally Tuesday at Roundhouse | Main | Today: AZ Guv Napolitano Stumps for Obama in NM »
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
(Updated) HB 9-Domestic Partner Bill Passes NM House Judiciary; to House Floor Next
UPDATE: HB9 will be heard by the full House at 10 AM on Thursday, January 24, 2008. Pack the galleries.
************
I want to send a special shout out to Republican Rep. Eric Youngberg (right) for voting in favor of the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act and mentioning how important it is to pass this bill this Session. This isn't about approving or disapproving of such partnerships, but about ensuring fairness under civil law for all our citizens. Thanks for doing what's right Rep. Youngberg. My partner of 18 years and I appreciate it very much.
From EQNM:
At another crowded committee hearing HB 9 was given a do pass by a 9-4 vote. Supporters of Equality came out in large numbers, and shared personal stories of why this important legislation will impact their lives. Legislators commented on how exciting it was to see a large representation of youth from the Santa Fe Mountain Center who were able to provide the committee with a unique perspective. Rep. Barela made an impassioned statement about his personal growth on this issue and a strong commitment to freedom. Rep. Eric Youngberg, a Republican, added that this is one of the most important issues before the legislature.
The Legislation will now move to a vote before the full House, this vote will likely take place Thursday morning, but there is still a possibility it could happen as early as Wednesday. Once we know anything we'll let you know immediately.
Until then, please take this important opportunity to e-mail the entire House and urge them to support this legislation. Take action by clicking here.
Legislators continue to receive a lot of harassing calls from the bill's opposition. Please continue to call your legislators and urge them to support this legislation. Continue to have conversations with people in your daily life and ask them to place calls in support to their Legislators. We know a majority of New Mexicans support equality, together we can make New Mexico a place where equality actually exists.
House Judiciary Vote Tally:
Voting FOR Equality:
Rep. Elias Barela, D-Belen 8
Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque 18
Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces 52
Rep. Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque 16
Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants 69
Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque 26
Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque 21
Rep. Tom Swisstack, D-Rio Rancho 60
Rep. Eric Youngberg, R-Albuquerque 23
Voting Against Equality:
Rep. Dan Foley, R-Roswell 57
Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque 31
Rep. Gloria Vaughn, R-Alamogordo 51
Rep. Teresa Zannetti, R-Albuquerque 15
***********
Thanks to all the legislators on the House Judiciary Committee who voted for the bill! BW
Check out for yesterday's Roundhouse Recap.
You can find our previous coverage of the 2008 New Mexico Legislature here.
January 22, 2008 at 12:21 AM in Civil Liberties, GLBT Rights, NM Legislature 2008 | Permalink
Comments
Great news and excellent that a Republican voted on the basis of justice and fairness. Thank you Rep. Youngberg!
Posted by: PF | Jan 22, 2008 8:53:35 AM
Thank you to all of the representatives who voted against House Bill 9
Posted by: Robert Marble | Jan 23, 2008 8:08:40 AM
I see the theofascists are crawling out from under their rocks to spread their HATE. What is it about equality under the law for everyone that they can't seem to grasp? WWJD?
Posted by: VP | Jan 23, 2008 8:54:09 AM
They like to make people suffer who aren't like them in any way. Meanspirited, un-American and anti-democracy, they try to make everyone in the nation abide by their personal, misguided religious beliefs. They don't support the Constitutional mandate for the separation of church and state. They represent the backward forces of bigotry, hate and intolerance. They take pleasure in causing families pain. Just be thankful we don't have to go through life with such twisted, nasty goals ruling our lives!
Posted by: Mandy | Jan 23, 2008 9:32:53 AM
Don't the haters know they shouldn't be eating shellfish and should be working to make sure the whole nation doesn't eat any - as directed by the bible? Oh they pick and choose.
Posted by: I Vote | Jan 23, 2008 9:34:53 AM
The one guy whos against it makes a polite comment thanking thouse who feel the same way he does and he's the one being hateful? lol thats not the way it reads. Also you with the wwjd where do you think the bible comes from. (I hope he would cure them). And you with the shellfish thing think about severity. Lieing and murdering are both wrong but theres a tad bit of difference on the say punishment. Its the same thing murder, defiling holy matrimony kinda a big deal. Lieing also wrong just not as big of a deal
Posted by: JD | Jan 30, 2008 9:04:55 PM
Denying citizens equal rights under the law because of a personal religious belief is hateful and bigoted. I don't care how politely it's said. How would you like YOUR civil rights denied?
Posted by: Mandy | Jan 31, 2008 12:00:43 PM
