Sante Fe Approves Marriage Resolution

The city council of Sante Fe last night approved a resolution supporting same-sex marriage.

There was a standing room-only crowd for the vote. The Santa Fe Fire Department had to bar the doors before the meeting started, leaving many to watch the proceedings from the hallway. Many in attendance wore red to symbolize their support for marriage equality. Others sported yellow stickers, representing the Equality New Mexico organization, or pink felt hearts that said “All Families Matter.” A smaller group held pictures of the Virgin of Guadalupe or wore stickers that said “Life and Family are Sacred.” No public testimony was permitted before the vote. The resolution, which passed by a 5-3 vote (including two abstentions), doesn’t have any effect on state rules and practices.

Last month Sante Fe Mayor David Coss and his city attorney declared that there in nothing in state law that bars LGBT residents from marrying. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage died in the New Mexico House in February.  A lawsuit filed by two lesbian couples should be heard soon.

VIDEO: Here's last night's vote.

(Tipped by JMG reader Mark)

Sante Fe's Mayor On Marriage Plan

Yesterday I reported that Sante Fe's Mayor David Coss said that there's nothing in state law that bans same-sex marriage and that his city attorney agrees. Coss has a gay daughter and wants to "see her walk down the aisle." Here's his press conference regarding the plan to issue a city resolution declaring that same-sex marriages are legal.

(Via Towleroad)

NEW MEXICO: Sante Fe Mayor Claims Same-Sex Marriages Are Legal

David Coss, the mayor of New Mexico's capital Sante Fe, says there's nothing in state law that bans same-sex marriage and his city attorney agrees.   

Coss and Councilor Patti Bushee plan to introduce a City Council resolution on March 27 "recognizing" that same-sex marriage is legal in New Mexico. They have a legal memo in which City Attorney Geno Zamara says same-sex marriage is permitted in New Mexico. Zamora says that's partly so because New Mexico law defining marriage is gender-neutral and lacks any prohibition on same-sex marriage. Zamora also says same-sex marriage is legal because the state already recognizes same-marriages from other states and the New Mexico Constitution requires equal treatment on the basis of sex.

 A petition endorsing the mayor's move has been launched. (Tipped by JMG reader Elise)

RELATED: Last month a New Mexico House committee killed a marriage equality bill with the help of two Democrats.