New Mexico Senate To Vote On Domestic Partners Bill

New Mexico's domestic partners bill has finally cleared its committee roadblock and will be voted on by the full Senate.

The bill had stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month. The deadlock was broken Monday when the committee voted 6-5 to send the bill to the Senate without recommendation whether it be approved or rejected. Sen. Bernadette Sanchez, D-Albuquerque, cast the deciding vote. She has been considered a likely opponent of the legislation but said she wanted all senators to be able to debate it.

Domestic partners legislation was approved by the New Mexico House last year. If the bill passes the state Senate, Gov. Bill Richardson has pledged to sign it into law.