Laws affecting Gay New Mexico
Non-Discrimination: New Mexico does not have a
non-discrimination law protecting gay and lesbian people from discrimination. That is not
from lack of trying. In 1993 SB-91 was introduced into the State Senate. The measure died
when the then Democratic governor Bruce King voiced his opposition to the measure. A
non-discrimination bill was introduced in the 1997 legislature. It was called HB-506 and
was sponsored by Rep. Patsy Trujillo of Santa Fe. It was defeated in committee.
Sodomy: New Mexico repealed its sodomy law in 1975.
There is no sodomy law on the books (although it still in the military code statutes as a
court martialable offense.
Hate Crimes Bill: In the 1995 legislative session both
houses of the legislature passes a comprehensive Hate Crimes Bill which enhanced penalties
if a crime was motivated or inspired by hate. Republican Governor Garry Johnston vetoed
the legislation. A veto-override attempt failed in the 1996 legislative session by two
votes. All of the Republican legislators who previously supported the bill voted against
the override including a Jewish member, Michael Weiner (when the Jewish community strongly
supported the bill). The Hate Crimes Bill has been introduced in the 1997 legislative
session by Rep. David Pedersen and is called HB-470.
Gay Marriage: An anti-marriage memorial (not having
the force of law) was introduced into the state legislature session in 1996 by Senator Lee
Rawson (R, Las Cruces). The bill was quickly killed in committee.Now in the 1997 session
Rep. Alwin has introduced a marriage bill that defines marriage as a union between one man
and one woman. Currently New Mexico law has no gender requirements for marriage (statute
40-1-1 thru 40-2-9). Are we missing out on
$4 billion dollars?
HIV Funding: The state has a good record of funding
care for HIV under both Democratic and Republican governors. The state passed and the
Governor signed into law a needle exchange bill that is being implemented around the
state.
Workplace Non-Discrimination: There are
non-discrimination policies in government hiring in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, the state
government, University of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Public School System, St Vincent
Hospital in Santa Fe and Intel (among others).
Anti-Gay Measures: The state does not specifically
have any laws that by word mention gays and lesbians in a negative or restrictive manner.
Miscellaneous: We have great adoption laws and partner
benefits across the state in terms of medical decisions and hospital visitation.
Also visit the Coalition for Equality and the Gay and Lesbian Voter Alliance
Federal
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch
State
Santa Fe
Patti Bushee is an openly lesbian member of the Santa Fe City Council. She
was appointed to her District 1 position in 1994 by then Mayor Debbie Jaramillo. In March
of 1996, she handily won re-election to her seat against three contenders with 61% of the
vote.
Linda Siegle is an openly lesbian member of
the Santa Fe Community College Board. She easily won the election in
1997.
Albuquerque Mayor issues Non-Discrimination Executive Order
on first day in office
December 1, 1997
Executive Instruction No. 6
Suject: Nondiscrimination Policy
The city of Albuquerque acknowledges its continuing commitment to protecting individual
rights and privileges. in accordance with this commitment, the City prohibits
discrimination in the operation of government on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin or ancestry, disability, age, gender, Vietnam Era or disabled veteran
status, sexual orientation or medical condition.
Jim Baca
Mayor
City of Albuquerque
Albuquerque City Council
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