County to issue same-sex marriage licenses (NEW MEXICO TODAY 2/20/04)

AP via News Channel 15 wane.com ^ | 2/20/2004

[cyncooper]

Bernalillo, New Mexico-AP -- A county clerk in New Mexico says it has nothing to do with "politics or morals."

Sandoval County Clerk Victoria Dunlap says the county plans to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples.

She made the decision after asking for an opinion from the county attorney, who said New Mexico law isn't clear on the issue. He also says refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples could open the county to legal action.

State law defines marriage as a civil contract between contracting parties. It doesn't mention gender.

The issue of gay marriage has stirred controversy in other states. San Francisco granted hundreds of same-sex marriage licenses in defiance of California state law.

And lawmakers in Massachusetts expect to resume a debate on a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage.

[puroresu]

Bush needs to take a firm stand for a nationwide ban on gay marriage. He needs to explain that these little outbreaks of lawlessness by courts (Mass.) and officials (San Fran. & N.M.) are setting up a judicial showdown which eventually will reach the Supreme Court. He needs to endorse the Federal Marriage Amendment, explain why it is needed, and challenge John Kerry to either endorse "gay marriage" or oppose it. Kerry can't be allowed to say he's against "gay marriage" while at the same time standing in the way of any proposal which would block radical courts and renegade officials from imposing such marriages on all fifty states.

[cyncooper]

Another who cries and carries on about Bush "not doing anything" but can't name for us what you expect him to do.

[cyncooper]

Exactly! If President Bush went on national TV and explained this in plain and firm language, the public would rally around him. All he has to do is say that marriage is an institution which is older than government, which celebrates the uniting of the opposite sexes in a natural bond which is also the ideal for raising children.

Then, he should explain how a few unelected judges and publicity-seeking politicians in aberrant precincts are trying to force gay marriage on the whole nation.

Finally, he should endorse the Federal Marriage Amendment

He has done all of that. And as I keep pointing out, he did it before Massachussetts acted and before San Francisco, and now New Mexico, started issuing licenses.

I know this will not satisfy you as I'm sure unless he follows your precise "script" he will fail you. Too bad for you.

[little jeremiah]

Homosexual Agenda Ping - did I mention the word "deluge" a few days ago?

Let me know if you want on or off this ping list!

[Wordsmith]

Yes, you did. If the only reason for banning incestuous marriages is because of the possibility of genetical impaired offspring, then what reason is there to ban marriages between brothers, or between a mother and her daughter?

[puroresu]

Look, I'm a Bush supporter. I voted for him in 2000 and will do so again this year.

All I'm saying is that he needs to rally the public. I don't mean a soundbite given to reporters. I mean he needs to do a nationally televised address on this subject alone, and explain the issue thoroughly to the American people. He needs to directly challenge Kerry by name to either put up or shut up. Right now, the press is telling the public that Kerry and Bush have the same position on "gay marriage". Kerry needs to be put in a position where he has to either endorse "gay marriage", or endorse some workable proposal to block "gay marriage". Bush can't let him get away with claiming to oppose "gay marriage" while at the same time blocking efforts to prevent it from being imposed on us.

Bush should follow the Clarence Thomas example, not the usual "stupid party" example of some lip service and lots of inaction.

[KQQL]

Walker said a marriage certificate from Sandoval County “would give us a lot of rights and benefits that have been denied us as a couple, including the rights associated with property ownership and the rights associated with medical decisions.”

“Look at the sincerity here,” pointing to a pair of women holding hands and exchanging vows, said the Rev. Pearl Gabaldon, who was conducting ceremonies.

County Clerk Victoria Dunlap, a Republican, said Thursday that she knew of no laws prohibiting licenses from being issued for same-sex couples. She said she sought an opinion from her county attorney after she got a call earlier this week from someone asking about same-sex ceremonies.

“This has nothing to do with politics or morals,” she told the Albuquerque Journal. “If there are no legal grounds that say this should be prohibited, I can’t withhold it ... This office won’t say no until shown it’s not permissible.”

She said County Attorney David Mathews told her that New Mexico law is unclear on the issue.

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~11676~1968558,00.html

[devane617]

"This nation is descending into anarchy. We are going down, and there may be no recovery. "

I am so concerned that our elected officials stand on the sideline and do nothing. As I mentioned in other thread, there is nothing like a cancer that kills from the inside.

[Rutles4Ever]

This nation is descending into anarchy.

The more I read this response, the more I agree with it. The Mayor of San Francisco is treading on dangerous ground. The first real test, however, will be if government agencies provide "marriage" benefits to these people in spite of Gov. Schwarzenegger declaring the licenses effectively toilet paper. If these "married" couples start receiving benefits, then we're in deep trouble. If the governor cannot enforce the laws of the state, then no one can.

It's going to get ugly. If Newsom wants to make this a public showdown with Sacramento, he is underestimating Arnold's willingness to meet him on the field of battle.

[puroresu]

And the lawlessness spreads....

[ex 98C MI Dude]

Wait until these 'couples' that are flocking to SF to get 'married' go back to their home states. They will sue the state in order to get their sham contract recognized.

This a fight of biblical proportions.

And our President can't do anything about it. It is beyond his Constitutional power.

We have to take this fight to the streets. Make your signs, and get the permits to protest.

Let the politicians hear us, and fear for their sorry careers.

[KQQL]

[tiki]

Santa Fe and Albuquerque are the Massachusetts of the west.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Santa Fe and Albuquerque are the Massachusetts of the west.

But not Tijeras!

[Wordsmith]

I don't think they're that bad - especially if you consider California part of the "west"! And even if you're only talking mountain west, I'd argue that Phoenix and Tucson and Boulder and maybe even Denver are worse.

Of course, I'm somewhat biased. We do all our shopping in Santa Fe and go to church there, and most of the folks we've met since moving to the area are fairly conservative. The old Catholic influence helps some, I think.

[Jerry_M]

Sorry, but Bernalillo is not Albuquerque.

Bernalillo is in Sandoval County, north of Bernalillo County, where resides Albuquerque. Bernalillo is not in Bernalillo County.

[ican'tbelieveit]

Jerry, I was referring to Bernalillo county. Sorry you missed that subtle reference.

[ican'tbelieveit]

I would put Boulder above Albuquerque, but not Santa Fe or Taos.

[Jerry_M]

However, it is not the Bernalillo County Clerk who is issuing these licenses.

It is one nut case in Sandoval County, home of "New York West" (Rio Rancho). The vast majority of Albuqerqueans oppose this sham.

[randita]

They seem to think it's time to make the leap on this one, and anyone who disagrees is so very, very deeply evil.

Some may think it's time, but it's not the shakers and movers at the top. Barbara Boxer and Barney Frank, ones who would normally be dependable supporters of these moves, are running like crazy from this. Not that they are at the top, but I'll bet they are getting directives from the top that they don't want this issue to come to a head in a crucial election year.