It's not over yet but things are looking good.  Yesterday, the
New Mexico equal rights bill passed on the floor of the Senate
(after passing the Senate sub-committee).  It's now up to the
House.  House leaders on both sides of the issue agree that it
will be a close vote but expect the bill to pass.  I don't know
when the House is expected to vote on it.  As far as I know,
Governer King has been silent on the issue.  However, he has
historically been pretty cool about these kinds of issues.

Here are some interesting tidbits from yesterday:

   The 'phobes tried to amend the bill to include beastiality and
   prostitution.  It didn't work.

   Several Senators and Reps saw the gay madness video.

   The swing vote in the Senate were the 17 newly elected members.


Various soundbites on the news supporting the bill:

      "I wasn't sure about how I would for this bill.  [pause]  But
      after watching that video [pause] I was so offended [pause]
      that I decided to vote for the bill." [comment: I wasn't sure I 
      heard that correctly but my SO heard the same thing.  The
      gay madness video might have hurt the 'phobes more than
      helping them.  Is this the first major "testing ground"
      for that video (other than the gays/military issue)?]

      "As a Christian I can't condone homosexuality.  However, I must
      support basic human and civil rights for all people."

Various soundbites on the news against the bill:

      One congressman was comparing passage of the bill to the fall
      of Greece and Rome.  (In other words, if we pass this bill, the
      end of civilization is imminent.)

      Another congressman was griping that businesses will be required
      to ask job applicants about their sexual orientation.  (go
      figure).


Quotes in the newpaper were the typical homophobic crap.  Things about
society promoting sodomy and how incest will be next.  Worried
businessmen think that a quota bill is around the corner.

Stay tuned.

-- 
Scott Amspoker                       |    
Basis International, Albuquerque, NM |  Too bad ignorance isn't really
                                     |  bliss.  Then it could be outlawed.
scott@bbx.basis.com                  |