ACLU New Mexico Weighs In On AG King's Opinion Supporting Recognition of Out-Of-State Same-Sex Marriages

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico (ACLU-NM) released a statement today applauding yesterday’s opinion by New Mexico Attorney General Gary King concluding that the state can legally recognize out of state marriages between gay and lesbian couples. The organization noted that, while not legally binding, this opinion signals that New Mexicans are increasingly ready to include all committed couples in marriage.

“Attorney General King’s opinion is an important step towards achieving basic relationship fairness here in New Mexico,” said ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson. “Recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages would be a powerful acknowledgement that marriage matters to gay people in similar ways that it matters to everyone. Gay and lesbian couples want to get married in order to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love.”

Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples have already publicly affirmed their commitment to one another through marriage in the five states in which it is currently legal to do so. Extending the legal and economic protections of marriage to these couples in this state would significantly increase their families’ security, stability and status in the community, the statement added.

ACLU-NM also extended thanks to Representative Al Park for his advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community and his important role in the release of this opinion.