October 24, 2013
NM Gay Marriage Supporters & Opponents: It Will Pass
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Supporters of gay marriage in New Mexico and those opposing it, both agree that the state's Supreme Court will approve a measure that will allow same-sex couples to tie the knot, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
"I think the die was cast before we came in here," State Sen. Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, said. The lawmaker is part of a group of other GOPers who don't want gay marriage to be legalized in New Mexico. Sharer also said, "whatever happens here [in the Supreme Court] won't be the last word. It's not over until the people have spoken."
On Wednesday New Mexico's Supreme Court heard arguments about gay marriage. The hearing lasted about two hours but the judges have not ruled. New Mexico is the only state in the country that does not have legislation that either denies or allows same-sex couples from marrying.
The plaintiffs in the case, Griego vs. Oliver, also believe the Supreme Court will side with them and allow gay marriage in New Mexico.
"I'm super excited," Rose Griego said. "It's historic, and I'm so happy that this is going to help a lot of people." Her partner, Kim Kiel, agreed.
"I feel really good that the outcome will be positive," she said.
New Mexico's Supreme Court heard the gay marriage rather quickly after Dona Ana County clerk decided to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, leading the way for seven other clerks to do the same in response to lower courts, the Associated Press reports.
It is unclear as to when the state Supreme Court will issue their ruling on the matter.