Same-Sex Marriages Performed Elsewhere are Legal in New Mexico, Says Attorney General
New Mexico Attorney General Gary King says same-sex marriages performed elsewhere can be legally recognized in New Mexico, in an opinion published yesterday.
Read the opinion below.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports:
"A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico," Attorney General Gary King said.
The opinion was welcomed by at least one lesbian couple who were married five years ago in Canada. Jennifer Burns, an Albuquerque chiropractor, said in an interview that the opinion is a "public recognition of our private commitment."
But opinions by an attorney general are just that — opinions, which themselves do not have the force of law. The opinion itself notes, "we cannot predict how a New Mexico court would rule on this issue."
No court has yet ruled on the issue, and Governor Susana Martinez opposes same-sex marriage.
And won't this trigger a constitutional amendment right quickly!
Posted by: K in VA | Jan 5, 2011 12:01:38 PM
K in VA,
I wouldn't put money on it. NM leans blue and the legal loophole that the AG is utilizing has been well known for years. NOM will likely stick their nose where it isn't wanted, but I think my beautiful home state of NM will lean toward equality in the end...it has been quietly progressing in that direction.
Posted by: AggieCowboy | Jan 5, 2011 1:56:18 PM
It might not be too big of an issue. They almost passed same sex unions by the legislature and only failed in the Senate by a handfull of votes. No it is not full marriage equality, but NM is miles ahead of other other states.
Posted by: Travis | Jan 5, 2011 7:26:16 PM
It's all this legal confusion that shows why the Constitution's Full Faith and Credit clause should be in force, nullifying DOMA and providing us the rights that all owe citizens of the US have.
Posted by: David R. | Jan 6, 2011 12:51:02 AM