WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham applauded a decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court that affirms marriage equality in the State of New Mexico.
"We hold that the State of New Mexico is constitutionally required to allow same-gender couples to marry and must extend to them the rights, protections, and responsibilities that derive from civil marriage under New Mexico law," wrote Justice Edward Chávez in a unanimous 5 to 0 decision. The Court found that prohibiting individuals from marrying solely because of sexual orientation is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause in the New Mexico Constitution.
"Today's court ruling is a resounding victory for New Mexicans in all four corners who love one another and deserve to be treated equally under the law - just as our Constitution intended," said Udall. "Our country has come a long way in advancing marriage equality for all, and I am proud New Mexico is joining in that forward progress. I'm also glad the court has finally provided the legal clarity for the countless New Mexicans who have been in limbo for too long, and I congratulate all our families in New Mexico who will finally be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
"Today is a proud day for New Mexico and a significant step forward to creating a fairer, more just society. I am thrilled that the New Mexico Supreme Court found that our constitution requires marriage equality for all our citizens," said Heinrich. "This ruling stands to strengthen New Mexico families and affirms that loving same sex couples who accept the responsibility of marriage are respected and recognized in our state. We must continue our march toward full equality for all Americans."
"Today's decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court ensures that every couple can make the personal choice of marriage," said Luján. "Marriage equality is a matter of civil rights and treating all people who are in loving and committed relationships fairly. Gay and lesbian couples make the same contributions and sacrifices that we all do, including paying taxes, owning business and caring for their families. Now everyone will be treated equally under the law."
"This is an incredible victory for New Mexico, where we believe that all families matter and that everyone deserves the same basic rights and responsibilities that only marriage provides," said Lujan Grisham. "This ruling confirms what we already know and believe - that in New Mexico, freedom means freedom for everyone. I'm thrilled that all New Mexicans now have the opportunity to marry the person they love, and I'm proud that our state is on the right side of history."
