Gay marriage affirmed in California
NM supporters of domestic partnerships hope for boost
The California Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the right of same-sex couples to marry, leading supporters in the Golden State to celebrate a victory in a long-fought battle.
Supporters of domestic partnerships legislation here in New Mexico said they hoped to convert some of that same optimism to fuel their years-long push for domestic partnerships legislation.
Advocates unsuccessfully lobbied the New Mexico Legislature earlier this year to give gay and lesbian couples, as well as unmarried straight couples in a committed relationship, the ability to enjoy medical coverage through their partner's health insurance plan and to earn the right to visit a partner in a hospital. The domestic partnership bill also would have allowed them to take family medical leave to care for a partner who is ill and earned property rights in a partners' pension and inheritance rights.
Some financial planners and attorneys supported the legislation, saying it would have helped gay and lesbian couples— as well as unmarried straight couples not related by blood -- to save thousands of dollars. Instead of spending heavily to form trusts, the couples could derive the same benefits by entering a domestic partnership, which would cost a $25 fee paid to a county clerk processing the application.
"While New Mexicans are unaffected legally by this ruling, we hope we will someday have the same opportunities to solidify our families. This victory energizes our effort to continue working toward passage" of domestic partnerships," said Alexis Blizman of the Equality New Mexico, an organization for gay and lesbian rights.
The bill ultimately died in the Senate where it ran into opposition from opponents who said domestic partnerships were the same as marriage, which should be reserved only for a man and a woman.
Added New Mexico state Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, who carried the domestic partnerships bill: "I certainly am hoping it will kind of answer some of the naysayers. The California Supreme Court ruling showed that it's unequal treatment."
Stewart predicted that the bill would have an easier time during the 2009 legislative session. First, it's not an election year, she said. She added, ""There are races in play in the Democratic and Republicans primaries and in the General election to ensure that there are more supporters of domestic partnerships (in 2009)."
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