New Mexico DOMA Dead

New Mexico is like the Goldilocks of marriage equality. It's statewide public policy is neither "too hot" nor "too cold" on this issue. It is one of the rare states in the Union which not does not have a law or constitutional amendment banning (or allowing) same-sex couples from entering into marriage.

However, recently a Republican legislator named David Chavez had proposed an amendment to the state constitution which would have restricted marriages in New Mexico to opposite sex couples only. Happily, the New Mexico legislature adjourned last week without taking action on the measure, effectively killing it.

Interestingly, on January 4, 2011 State Attorney General Garry King issued an advisory opinion that same-sex couples who marry in jurisdictions where it is legal should have those marriages recognized in New Mexico.