News articles about and concerning New Mexico.
State employees now provided retirement health insurance for domestic partners!
ALBUQUERQUE – In response to a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, New Mexico has agreed to provide retirement health insurance to the domestic partners of state employees. Thank you ACLU!
“We are very pleased that the state has agreed to settle this litigation and provide the insurance. It wasn’t fair that the state forced lesbian and gay employees to pay the high cost of health care for often inferior health insurance for their families when they worked just as hard as their straight colleagues,” said Peter Simonson of the ACLU of New Mexico. “I’m sure this will be welcome news to all lesbian and gay state employees, but especially to those who have retired or are planning to do so soon.”
The ACLU brought the lawsuit on February 5, 2007 on behalf lesbian and gay state employees and their domestic partners. The lawsuit charged that it was a violation of the state constitution’s equal protection guarantees for the state to treat lesbian and gay employees differently from its straight employees. The settlement will reached with the state will cover both gay and straight employees and their domestic partners.
“This is fantastic news. We can finally start planning our retirement,” said Havens Levitt, who has been a teacher for the Albuquerque public school for 25 years. “Until now, our only option was for me to keep working because my partner’s employment doesn’t provide insurance for her and private insurance was just too expensive. It means a lot that the state has acknowledged I should be treated the same as my straight colleagues.” Levitt and her partner, Rebecca Dakota, have been partners for 13 years. Dakota is a self-employed consultant to non-profits and an independent filmmaker.
Pursuant to the settlement, the state has agreed to develop a process for enrolling those interested during the next open enrollment period, which comes this fall.
The New Mexico Democratic Party State Central Committee has made marriage equality for all people an official party platform.
Given the recent success of marriage equality in Iowa and Vermont, it is wonderful to witness this committee seriously prioritizing the need for domestic partnership and marriage rights.
Thank you to the NM State Democratic Party for being a champion of marriage equality rights for all people throughout our state.
Stories at:
The three DOMA's in the New Mexico House of Representatives were tabled Thursday night in the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee on a 3-2 party line vote. While the bills are not dead, they are not moving and are not likely to be revived. This leaves only one more DOMA bill still alive in the Senate.
Attorney General Gary King on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 issued an opinion saying, "A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico."
The opinion is in answer to a question posed by state Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque.
"While we cannot predict how a New Mexico court would rule on this issue, after review of the law in this area, it is our opinion that a same-sex marriage that is valid under the laws of the country or state where it was consummated would likewise be found valid in New Mexico." the opinion says.
Governor Martinez issued the following statement in response: "Governor Martinez made it clear during the campaign that she opposes same-sex marriage. It’s important to note that no New Mexico court has ruled on this issue.”
Senator Bernadette Sanchez came into the Senate Judiciary Committee and voted to pass SB12, the Domestic Partners Rights & Responsibility Act, out of the committee without a recomendation. Next stop is the full Senate.
Here are some links to further news stories:
New Mexico Independent: Domestic partnerships advance to full Senate
Albuquerque Journal: Domestic partnerships bill revived
Santa Fe New Mexican: Domestic partnership bill passes Senate panel
KOB: Domestic partnership bill heading to Senate
The question remains, will the community continue to support the closet of the rumored closeted Senator who voted against this bill?
The NM House Comittee tabled the DOMA and the bill died when this session of the NM legislature ended. Thanks to those representatives that responded to our calls to not put discrimination into our constitution.
Rep. David Chavez (R-Los Lunas) is at it again.
When he thought no one was watching, Rep. Chavez bowed to political pressure and asked for his anti-family, discriminatory Definition of Marriage bill (HJR 22) to be heard tomorrow in the House Consumer and Public Affairs committee.
Well, Rep. Chavez, New Mexico's families were watching, and we will be there to oppose this discriminatory piece of legislation.
This move has everything to do with politics, and nothing to do with the issues that matter most to hard working New Mexicans: jobs, the economy, and education.
Join EQNM tomorrow in Santa Fe to oppose HJR 22, and let Rep. Chavez know that in New Mexico we value our families. All of our families.
What: House Consumer and Public Affairs committee hearing on HJR 22
When: Tuesday, February 14th at 8:30 am
Where: The Roundhouse (state capitol), Santa Fe, room 315.
Can't join EQNM in Santa Fe? Follow EQNM on twitter for live coverage of tomorrow's hearing.
Want to express your views on HJR 22 to Rep. Chavez? He can be reached by telephone at 505-986-4451 or by email at david.chavez@nmlegis.gov
As the legislative session comes to an end, Equality New Mexico is deeply disappointed that SB183, Domestic Partnerships sponsored by Senator Wirth and Representative Stewart, was tabled in the Senate Finance Committee this year.
However, EQNM is pleased that Senator McSorley introduced SB146, a bill to change marriage license forms to applicant 1 and applicant 2 and any legislation that would define marriage as between a man & a woman was also defeated.
For an opportunity to hear a debrief of this legislative session, please attend one of the upcoming gatherings in Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Las Cruces.
Albuquerque Post-Session ~ Vent Event II
This Sunday ~ February 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
1800 4th Street, Albuquerque at Hank's House of Cabinetry
The Gay Men's Chorus as well as Flynnt and members of the Dolls will be performing at this event.
A special thank you to: Jennifer James, Blades Bistro, and the Range.
This will be an afternoon of enjoying appetizers and beverages, mingling with community members, and learning about EQNM's advocacy efforts this legislative session in working to obtain basic legal protections for all New Mexicans.
Santa Fe Post-Session Gathering
Wednesday ~ February 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Wild Oats Community Center Meeting Room
1090 S. Street St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe
Las Cruces Post-Session Gathering
Saturday ~ February 27th from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
China Temple Restaurant Banquet Room
1030 El Paseo, Las Cruces
The New Mexico State Senate Finance Committee voted to table SB183 this evening, Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 on a 7 - 4 vote. This was the same vote on passing it to the floor that failed just before the tabling vote. Voting to not send it on and then to table the bill were: R Adair, S Wilson Beffort, P Campos, C Leavell, S Neville, C Cisneros, J Smith. Voting to send it to the floor & not to table were: H Morales, G Ortiz y Pino, M K Papen, N Rodriguez.
SJR1 - Marriage Defined, CA (constitutional amendment), a DOMA bill, was rejected by a 5 - 2 vote in the Senate Rules Committee Monday, February 15.
HJR8 - Marriage Defined, CA, a DOMA bill, was tabled Saturday, Feb. 6th, in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, which means the bill is held in the committee & did not pass out of committee. This usually prevents a bill from passing in a session, unless some unusual manuevering is done.
NM partner bill heads to state senate - (Santa Fe, New Mexico) Legislation would create a statewide domestic partnership registry for both same and opposite-sex couples has passed a key committee and is heading for a vote in the full state senate.
Couples would register with local county clerks and receive certificates attesting to their relationships. Partners would have ... [365 Gay News]
It's time again for the GLBT community to go to the State Fair and show New Mexico. "We Are a Rainbow of Colors” Every year our GLBT community booth attracts more people and provides valuable information regarding our entire community to thousands. From September 11-27, 2009 we can do it again.
In prior years preparation, funding and staffing for our community booth has been done by only a few organizations. The goal this year is to have active participation from all members of the GLBT community. To accomplish this, no organization's information will be included in the booth unless someone from their organization takes an active role. Therefore, all organizations are requested to send a representative to our Kick Off (informational) meeting scheduled for August 12th at 6:00 PM at EQNM located at 1410 Coal Ave., SW in Albuquerque. (Donations and booth volunteer sign up can be made at the Kick off meeting.)
Donations should be made out to: New Mexico Centers and mailed to: Albuquerque Pride Office 2610 San Mateo Blvd NE Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87110
Volunteer hosts are needed!!!! Many organizations have already committed to host for at least one day. However,there is still a need for individuals to volunteer for specific shifts. The fair runs from September 11th to September 27th (seventeen days) from 10AM - 9PM (10PM on Fri. & Sat). Hosts will be needed for three shifts (four hours per shift) each day. To serve those who stop at our booth, we will have 3 volunteers hosting the booth at all times. Parking fees and fair tickets will be provided to each volunteer. Plus, they will be rewarded for their time with a great experience and be able to enjoy the remainder of the day attending the rest of the fair. If you have any questions contact Katherine Palmer (contact@pflagabq.org, 505-873-7373)
I am the community co-chair along with Mattee Jim for the Transgender Task Force of the NM Community Planning and Action Group. We are conducting a survey for the transgender community in New Mexico. I have attached the survey in a Word document that has fields that can be filled in. The survey is completely anonymous to protect anyone’s identity. This survey will help us to find where the transgender community is in New Mexico, what services that in an area by zip code, what services are missing in that zip code and more importantly the gaps in service for the transgender community. We will be compiling a complete resource guide for the transgender community state wide. It will be listed on both the NMDOH website along with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico website.
As you will see on the survey, we are looking for physical and mental health providers, health services, therapists, clinics, shelters, support groups, and so forth. A large undertaking, but with your help we can accomplish this task.
We are asking if you can put this on your websites, email to your email lists, provide at meetings and events, and distribute the survey to groups and individuals that we are not aware of. With your help, the Transgender Task Force and the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico will have a very complete resource guide for the transgender community of New Mexico.
We thank you for your assistance in this very important mission.
Stephani Patten
Transgender Task Force
Viral Hepatitis Task Force
505.401.4186
www.nmhivguide.org
| Attachment | Size |
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| TG Survey-Fillable and Protected.doc | 97.5 KB |
A divided New Mexico state Court of Appeals has ruled the un-married partner of an adoptive parent can't seek custody, when the parent is fit, but can seek visitation.
The 2 women were a couple for 15 years and after 6 years one partner adopted a child from Russa and both didn't as they thought the Russians wouldn't grant the adoption.
One judge's minority opinion was that if a parent-child relationship had been formed they should be treated as a parent.
For more information:
Santa Fe New Mexican
Albuquerque Journal - more thorough story, but requires online subscription
The 2009 Legislative session is under way and the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act is at the top of the agenda.
Our champions have been working diligently to secure the support of our Legislators and now we need you!
The Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act will be heard in a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Senate Public Affairs Committee tentatively scheduled for next Wednesday, January 28th at 2:30pm at the Roundhouse.
We need you, and ten of your friends to be there.
We must fill the Senate Gallery with Equality supporters.
Can you take the afternoon off and come to Santa Fe?
Wednesday, January 28th, 2:30 @ The Roundhouse in Santa Fe.
Many of you have shown up year after year, so you know the gallery will fill up quickly. We encourage you to arrive early to guarantee a seat. Please let us know you can attend by RSVPing to dpcampaign@threesixtynm.com
If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Rose at 505-490-9058.
Together we will ensure fairness and equal protections for all New Mexico Families!
See you Wednesday-
Just New Mexico is a working group of New Mexicans united to move our state toward marriage equality.
After a series of focus groups the “NM GLBTQ Community Needs Assessment” has moved into its final phases and we need your help.
The purpose of the “New Mexico GLBTQ Community Needs Assessment” is to determine the current state of life for the GLBTQ community of New Mexico to assess community attitudes and to identify social service, mental and physical health, educational and social needs of the GLBTQ population of the state.
The results of this survey will better define our community needs and be used to develop programs by New Mexico GLBTQ Centers, to educate public policy makers, and to inform and support efforts to reduce homophobia.
This survey is completely anonymous and results will only be reported collectively as totals of the responses received. At no time will you be asked to give personally identifying information and no individual responses will be reported.
The survey should take approximately 16 minutes to complete.
You can reach the survey using this link http://NMglbtqCenters.needs.sgizmo.com
Please encourage your friends (and other contacts you may know) to complete the survey, especially non-urban residents.
Thank you for supporting GLBTQ community centers in New Mexico.
New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division has created a form to make it easier for transgender New Mexicans to change their gender on their drivers licenses. Kudos to this enlighted response. Read more here at New Mexico Independent.
PFLAG Santa Fe is pleased to announce the our 2009 Scholarships! This year the Santa Fe chapter of PFLAG will offer up to or more than $15,000 in scholarships for the 2009/10 academic year. The deadline for students to apply is March 28, 2008.
The Santa Fe Chapter of PFLAG has awarded over $149,000 in scholarships since the inception of our local scholarship program in 1997. These scholarships recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, encourage continuing education for self-identified LGBT youth, and foster a positive image of LGBT people in society.
Please note the following eligibility requirements:
• Priority is given to LGBT youth, however LGBT students up to the age of 35 are eligible to apply.
• Priority will be given to first time recipients. Only past recipients who have received only one Santa Fe PFLAG scholarship are eligible (i.e. you are not eligible if you have received it twice).
• One scholarship designated for a Straight Ally may be available.
• Must attend a post-secondary educational institution within one year.
• Resident of the state of New Mexico.
• Must submit an application (in full, following all directions) with required supporting materials by the application deadline.
• Awards will be paid by check jointly to the student and the institution. Applications will be considered only if the following is postmarked by Sat March 28, 2009:
1. Completed Application — original AND three copies
2. Student's most recent transcripts
3. Two recommendations (forms should be sent by the references)
The application will be available online at http://www.pflagsantafe.org or http://www.nmgsa.org (starting around Jan 20th). We can also email or snail mail you a copy of the application. Decisions will be made by May 10, 2009. Also, save the date for the Scholarship Award Reception (attendance expected) on Sun June 7, 2009.
If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarship@pflagsantafe.org or by calling Jenn at 660-3288 or Alicia or Eduardo (habla espanol) at 424.8951.
Thank you for supporting the PFLAG Scholarship Program. Please pass the word along!
Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, said Wednesday that King's opinion has galvanized opponents of same-sex marriage and could help his efforts to get a measure through the 2011 session making such marriages illegal.
Read more: ABQJOURNAL NEWS/STATE: Gay Marriage Challenge Already in Works http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/06233521state01-06-11.htm#ixzz1AH5RFb4J
Join the Coalition for Domestic Partnership in asking our Senators to pass the Domestic Partner Rights & Responsibilities Act (SB12)
What: SB12 debate and vote on Senate floor.
When: Thursday, February, 26th. Senators go on the floor at 10am. Plan to come early. The gallery could fill up before 8am. Please know it could be a long day and the vote could take place in the afternoon. Bring something to read, some snacks, etc.
Where: The Roundhouse in Santa Fe - Senate Gallery.
Why: To show your support for fairness and legal protections for all families in New Mexico!
Please plan to come early.
It is a day to celebrate in our community, we have 64 couples who have valid marriages in New Mexico!
In a divorce proceeding in Santa Fe, Judge Sarah Singleton ruled that one of the Sandoval 64 marriages was valid and that a divorce proceeding was appropriate for Angela Maria Carrejo and Karla Janelle Haught. Haught, an attorney representing herself, was arguing that the marriage from Feb. 24, 2004 was void from the start because then-Sandoval County Clerk Victoria Dunlap lacked the authority to issue licenses to same-sex couples.
The judge said she wasn't ruling on whether same-sex marriages were constitutional, but that trying to say now that the marriage wasn't valid was too late and that there has been no ruling that they were not valid. Also Attorney General Patricia Madrid's letter to Dunlap that ended the issuance of the marriage certificates to same-sex couples stated the Attorney General belived the marriage certificates were invalid, but that the opinion was not legally binding.
For more information: Santa Fe New Mexican
Albuquerque Journal (if you have an online subscription)
Santa Fe New Mexican reports the crowd was larger this year and enjoyed the new location. Read there article here.
Tnom Andrewz provides his pictures of Santa Fe's Pride celebration. A simple registration at Kodak will give you access to his pictures.
Thanks to David Stocum of the Southwest LGBT Press
Thank you to all of you who came to the
Roundhouse to stand up for equality. We know that your presence
at the capital made a difference.
The bill will now move to vote in the Judiciary Committee. We'll
keep you posted as to next steps. Stay tuned!
For now, please call your Senator and Representatives and ask
them to vote yes on SB12. Click
here for a full phone list. Please only call the Senator or
Representative who represents your district.
If you call, be sure to thank Senators Dede
Feldman, Tim Eichenberg, Eric Griego, Mary Jane Garcia, and
Cynthia Nava for voting yes on SB12 in the Senate Public Affairs
Committee.
Please also call the Governor's office at (505) 476-2200 and
THANK him for his support for SB12 and equality.
Thank you again for your efforts to pass this bill. We
appreciate you talking to your legislators, your neighbors, and
your friends. We'll need you again at the Roundhouse soon.
Please email dpcampaign@threesixtynm.com anytime for an
update.
Your friends and family at EQNM http://www.abqjournal.com/news/xgr/291036217343newsstate01-29-09.htm
The Domestic Partners Rights & Responsibilities
Act (SB12) passed the Senate Public Affairs Committee by a vote
of 5-4!