I am so proud of my State. New Mexico never passed a ban on gay marriage. The language in our statutes was gender neutral. A few months ago, a County Clerk in Dona Ana County began issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples because, in his opinion, there was no effective bar to such unions. A few other clerks followed suit. Then they all got together and the County Clerks filed a suit directly to the New Mexico Supreme Court asking the Court to clarify for everyone whether the gender-neutral language of the New Mexico Statute permitted them to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. Many, many organizations jumped in to write briefs pro and con. There was extensive oral argument.
On Thursday, December 19th, our Court ruled that marriage is a union between two human beings to the exclusion of all others. The sexes of the pair were irrelevant to the legality of the marriage. It was a fairness ruling, it was an equal protection ruling, it was the right thing to do.
Yesterday, a Federal Judge in Utah overturned Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, and on the same grounds.
At a time when our country is so divided, when there is such blatant hatred of others, these two rulings are beacons. These were rulings that uphold love and commitment, in the face of prejudice. Justice should never be subject to popular vote or to public opinion. I am so happy that anyone who loves another may join him/her in marriage until death do them part.
Where there is love, there is still hope.
Totally agree! It gives hope for the humanity of our race. Was reading this week about Uganda and the new laws regarding homosexuality there. So very sad for their country and their people.
At times like this I am reminded on one of my favorite passages…”…let justice roll down like waters,and righteousness like an ever flowing stream”. Amos 5:24. We were maried some years ago in Canada as we never thought we would be able to here in Iowa. Imagine our joy the day we stood before our family and friends and were legally wed in our home state!
I knew I liked you. I like you even more after the last few posts about your great state of NM. I sure wish that WI could get going on this topic. We are so, so far behind on this issue. Thank you for your holiday wishes and sending them right back at you and yours, two and four legged.
YES! What a great Christmas message…this is (should be) the season of love and acceptance. Thank you for writing this, Penni. I hope that my state of Oregon will soon follow suit.
Hooray for love and commitment, and hooray for New Mexico!!!!
I just read To Kill a Mockingbird…. The times when we can behave civilly and politely and with justice toward each other surely need to be celebrated!