Doa Ana County Clerk Begins Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2013 CONTACT: Amber Royster (505) 224-2766 or amber@eqnm.org

LAS CRUCES, NMThis morning, same-sex couples in Doa Ana County began receiving marriage licenses after County Clerk Lynn Ellis announced he was issuing them based on a legal opinion endorsed in a Santa Fe City Council resolution earlier this year, and the recent statement by the state Attorney General that to deny same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional. The issuing of licenses began this morning at 8:00 am. This morning's announcement demonstrates how critical the issue of marriage equality is in New Mexico, said EQNM Executive Director Amber Royster. Committed, loving same-sex couples are tired of being second-class citizens. The State Supreme Court, however, has made it clear that they want the matter decided through the lawsuit filed in district court earlier this year, and in the most expeditious manner possible. Our hope is that this morning's action will further demonstrate the need for such expedited consideration. ###
Equality New Mexico is the states largest and oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy and education organization working to achieve our vision of a fair and inclusive New Mexico. Web: www.eqnm.org | Facebook/Twitter: equalitynm