A Christian Perspective: The 2008 New Mexico State Legislature

Bill Richardson appeared to be AOL on Saturday, May 3rd. He didn’t even tell his number two, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish were he was going. “Gov. Skips Town for the Races” read the Sunday Albuquerque Journal on May 4th. They got part of the story right.

The Governor ran off to accept yet another Gay Rights award. Governor Bill Richardson received the “13th Annual International Role Model Award” from the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transvestite Organization, Equality Forum. Equality Forum is a front for homosexual Denver billionaire, Mr. Tim Gill.

The governor’s spokes person call it an oversight that he informed no one. The Albuquerque Journal headline referred only to the Kentucky Derby. The reason is obvious. Our Governor has taking large contributions from the homosexual community to forward their agenda. Mean while the majority of his constituency opposes his gay rights agenda to include domestic partnership legislation.

Incidentally, Mr. Gill’s organization sank $222,000 into the Equality New Mexico in 2005 (the last available reporting period). The result is - Don’t you dare not hire a homosexual or risk getting sued in the state of New Mexico.

Incidentally, this same legislation has passed the U.S. Congress and is being introduced to the Senate by Sen. Ted Kennedy.

Let’s see now if the Governor’s campaign debt does disappear or is at least substantially diminished.

Reports in both the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal today, Friday, February 15, 2008, suggest that Governor Bill Richardson’s disappointment in the last session will result in his calling a Special Session, possibly in two weeks. According to these published reports, recalled legislators will address one issue only, Health Care Reform.
Governor Richardson lent his political weight to Domestic Partners Legislation, Stem Cell Research, Railrunner Train Tax, Ethics Reform and Health Care Reform. All failed to survive legislative scrutiny. Because of this governor’s expert maneuvering, any of this legislation could be resurrected.
Domestic Partners HB 9 passed the House but was stopped in the Senate Judiciary Committee and Stem Cell Research SB 23 passed the Senate but failed to pass House Judiciary Committee. If the published reports are correct, the Special Session will not include these two bills.
What follows is a special period of prayerful thanks to God.
We also need to thank New Mexico legislators for standing firm for the family values, especially Senator Lidio Rainaldi ((505) 863-3643) from Gallup and Senator Richard Martinez ((505) 753-8027) from Espanola.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez

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Domestic Partners HB 9 May Reach Senate Floor Before Adjournment Thursday Noon

Dear Friends,
In a rarely used political maneuver called “basting,” a bill can be moved out of a committee and on to the Senate for debate and passage. From sources on the Senate floor today, Wednesday, February 13, 2008, Governor Bill Richardson could implement the maneuvering very quickly and Domestic Partners HB 9 would again be viable legislation.
Two votes are needed for the maneuver to work in the Governor’s favor. A vote must be taken to bring the legislations to the floor (the “blasting” vote.) Then the Senate would debate the issue followed by a final vote in the Senate.
The Governor has made it clear, if the legislators do not deal with his health care measure, he will very likely call a Special Session.
The strategy regarding Domestic Partners House Bill 9 may be to attempt the “blasting” vote in these, the final hours of the session in anticipation of a follow up during the Special Session.
Will you please pray that Domestic Partners House Bill 9 does not come to the Senate floor and that, if it does, a “No” vote on the “blasting” will follow. The switchboard at the State Capitol is (505) 986-4300. The website is LEGIS.STATE.NM.US. Thank you for your continued prayers.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez

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The Lord Be Praised: HB 9 Tabled

Dear Friends,
Thank you for your prayers for the New Mexico Legislature.
Saturday, February 9, 2008 proved to be a God blessed day at the State Capitol. Domestic Partners House Bill 9, prior to the start of this year’s mid-January start, had been crafted by a number of homosexual organizations. The bill’s sponsors said a number of groups had consulted.
The major concession from the 2007 legislation was that, rather than substituting “domestic partners” for “marriage” in all of the New Mexico’s laws, the word “spouse” was to be substituted.
Because of the enormity of interest in the bill, the Senate Judiciary Committee met in the Senate cambers on Saturday after the full body convened and recessed. The gallery was packed. Again about 85% of those in attendance were supporters of the bill with about 15% standing in opposed.
It was Senator Lido Rainaldi, the Democratic senator from Gallup, who took the floor and began grilling the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mimi Stewart and her professional witness, Lynn Pearls, a lawyer from Albuquerque, about their proposed legislation and it’s contradictory stance against New Mexico law and United States law.
Senator Rainaldi addressed the 1996 Federal Law that disallowed the recognition of same-sex and polygamous relationships between the states defining marriage as between one man and one woman. He noted how community property could be handled under present law through joint contacts and wills. Senator Rainoldi concluded that the legislature had a responsibility of passing laws that are in the best interest of all the citizens of New Mexico and not special laws for “certain people.”
When the vote was taken, it was Senator Richard Martinez, Democrat from Espanola, that unexpectedly vote against it.
Probably as a result of an impassioned plea by Rep. Nora Espinosa from Roswell on KKIM 1000 a.m. and 94.7 f.m. and others, Mr. Martinez received untold phone calls according to his state office. His personal cell phone began ringing with the message; this is not what we expect our expectation of our elected official. Those on the Senate floor reported that the committee chair, Senator McSorley, appeared surprised at Senator Martinez’s vote.
A motion to dismiss was not heard which would have terminated any future discussion of the bill this session. The tabling vote was 6 to 4 with the two Democrats, Senator Rainaldi and Senator Martinez voting in favor.
But more than the vote, it was the prayers of the people across the state that were heard. Opponents of the bill came from Albuquerque, Hobbs, Clovis, Las Cruses and a few from Santa Fe to participate in prayer, fellowship and testimony.
It is our sense that the Lord spoke and was exalted this day in the State Capitol.
We would ask that you please call contact especially the Senator Lidio Rainaldi ((505) 986-4310 home (505) 863-3643) and Senator Richard Martinez ((505) 986-4389 home (505) 753-8027) and thank them for their efforts as well as the Republican Senators on the committee.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez

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The Political Process and the Political Deceptions: HB 9 Delayed Again

Dear Friends,
Senator Cicso McSorley, the Senator from Albuquerque has a problem. His name is the Honorable Senator Lidio Rainaldi from Gallup. In 2003 Senator McSorley sponsored a homosexual anti-discrimination bill that targeted churches. It is now illegal for the church to discriminate against homosexuals in hiring and rentals. In other words, if a homosexual pastor is qualified, his homosexual cannot be considered in hiring. Senator McSorley is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 9, the Domestic Partners, the bill that allows homosexual all the rights of married persons is now before the Senate McSoreley’s committee. Up to now the bill has had an easy go, sailing through the House and the Senate Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.
Which brings us to Senator Rainaldi. Senator Rainaldi is a man of conviction and belief in marriage between one man and one woman. Senator Rainaldi is a member of Senator McSorley’s Committee. He is breaking with the party rank and file despite pressure from the Democratic elite to include the Governor himself.
For the past 5 days, a Judiciary Committee meeting has been called but the bill has not been heard and nor vote taken. The curious part about this bill’s progress is this: when the bill is to receive a voted, the homosexual community shows up in mass. The halls of the legislature are filled with persons wearing stickers pronouncing their support of the bill.
For the past 5 days, Senator Rianoldi had been in attendance and the sticker-wearing homosexual community has not shown up.
The faithful who are in opposition to the bill have come to the Capitol every day and have waited patiently. The result has been long hours in the committee meeting room. The homosexual community appears to have this carefully planned to arrive when and only when an actual vote is to taken. Nonetheless, the faithful are faithful.
The good news is that the long hours of waiting have been put to good use. Christians from around the state have coming to the Capitol and have had a chance to fellowship and pray together.
The not so good news is that the Christian community is dealing with a deception perpetuated by our civic leaders and it’s taken a great deal of time and effort.
Never the less, watching and waiting is part of the call and each day that passes means the good and honorable Senator Rainaldi is on our side.
God bless Senator Rainaldi.
Please pray for this man and please contact your Senator and express you concern regarding House Bill 9. The capitol switch board is (505) 986-4300 and th e legislative website is LEGIS.STATE.NM.US.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez
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Gay Lobby Targets Sen. Campos - Gains Domestic Partners Support

Dear Friends,
Please pray for the New Mexico Legislature.
A remarkable amount of money has been flowing into the New Mexico State Legislature in a concerted effort to pass Domestic Partners House Bill 9, a bill that expands homosexual rights in the state. One group, Equality New Mexico has hired four lobbyists to insure its passage. A Denver lawyer was found working the halls of the Capitol. The ACLU has had at least one lobbyist crisscrossing the state for the last 10 ½ months creating a state wide strategy and targeting specific Senators to vote for the legislation.
One of those legislators identified and targets has been Pete Campos, a Democrat from Las Vegas New Mexico. Mr. Campos in a Friday article in the Las Vegas Daily Optic came out in favor of the legislation. Because of the targeting, Senator, Mr. Campos received hundreds of letters swaying his decision in favor of the legislation.
The issue has been framed as “not legalizing same sex marriage” but as a “social justice issue,” and one that provides “equal justice” for gay couples.
The three lobby groups that have been identified in the state, the ACLU, Democracy for New Mexico and Equality New Mexico. They have done a terrific job in framing the issue in this way. It is only when you read the bill and read their publications that the truth emerges.
There is an internal debate in the gay community regarding House Bill 9. The bill is seen as pragmatic and politically progress but not nearly the expected end point. For example in an interview with the “Santa Fe Reporter” last week, Norma Vazquez de Houdek, how was “married” to Mary Houdek in New Mexico by a Sandoval county clerk in 2004, described HB 9 as “good first step to marriage.” (End quote.)
The fact is last year’s bill did contain the word “marriage”. What’s different this year is that, knowing the word failed to convince senators like Campos, the homosexual community this year changes the word to “spouse”. Everywhere in the 700 plus places where “spouse” appears in New Mexico law, New Mexicans will be required to substitute “domestic partner”. Opposing legislators like Rep. Nora Espinosa from Roswell, call this “just semantics."
The net effect is the same. Marriage is being redefined in our state. In addition, rather than equal rights, the bill, coupled with the civil rights legislation of 2003, allows homosexual couples to sue if the think they are being discriminated against. A photographer in Las Cruses, for example, is currently being sued because he has refused to photograph a homosexual “union” ceremony. And this is just the beginning of what Mr. Campos is calling “equal justice”.
It is important that persons contact and advise their Senators such as San Miguel County’s Mr. Campos, about their concerns and hope that his pronouncement on Friday will not be his final vote.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez ************************
Man/Woman Marriage Bill Get “NO” Vote - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

The New Mexico House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee yesterday said “no” to two measures that would have affirmed marriage as between one man and one woman.
With a limited amount of time left in the session, the sponsor of House Bill 47, Rep. Nora Espinosa from Roswell, sought only to have the bill debated on the House floor. The vote kills the bill for this year.
House Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Gloria Vaughn from Alamogordo, would have sought a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. The resolution would have generated a statewide referendum on the issue allowing the citizens of New Mexico a direct voice in the decision. The Joint Resolution suffered the same fate.
Proponents of the bill argued that marriage was by definition between a man and woman, historically accepted, the best arrangement for raising children, a biological fact and the basis of a civilized society.
The opposition argued that homosexual marriage would in no way endanger traditional marriage, that historically various past measures such as women owning property, were felt to be a threat to stability of marriage but the institution had always survived.
Committee Chair, Gail Chasey from Albuquerque, quoted from an email received last year pointing out that heterosexual marriage has not faired all that well, sighting statistics and using Brittany Spears and Pamela Anderson as her examples.
Contrary to other hearings, the majority of those attending the hearing were in favor of the legislation. A group of teens from TeenPact studying the observing the legislative process were in attendance and spoke to traditional marriage as did members of Legacy Church in Albuquerque.
If you are concerned about marriage in New Mexico please contact you Senator and ask him or her to oppose HB-9. The switchboard number at the state capitol is (505) 986-4300 and the website is LEGIS.STATE.NM.US.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez
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Senate Judiciary Committee Postponed Again
After waiting hours for the Senate Judiciary Committee to meet on Monday, February 4, 2008, the meeting was abruptly canceled with no explanation. In attendance were concerned citizens from Hobbs, Clovis, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Senator Cicso McSorley, Chairman of the Committee, had previously stated that he would give 24 hour notice to interested parties before the bill is heard. The bill is expected to be heard on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 after the regular session of the Senate closes in the afternoon.
At the same time a homosexual rally in the Rotunda attracted about 150 supporters of the bill. The group heard Rep. Mimi Stewart, the bill sponsor, who declared "I am part of your community." The legislation is being touted as a civil rights issue allowing homosexual couples the same rights as privileges as married couples. In fact the bill provides extraordinary rights to anyone over eighteen who claim to be in a "committed" relationship and pays $25.00 and files a form. Such rights as adoption, inheritance, and access to rentals are covered by this legislation.
Please continue to pray for your legislators and this legislation.

Jose Vasquez

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IN NEW MEXICO MARRIAGE IS ONE MAN - ONE WOMAN. SO WHAT'S THIS ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL SPOUSES? New Mexico was admitted to the Union in 1912. When Utah joined the Union in 1896, polygamy had to be addressed. To avoid the polygamy issue in New Mexico, a clause in the state constitution specially disallowed polygamy, and almost parenthetically, added that “marriage is between one man and one woman.”
In last year's attempt at legitimizing homosexual relationships read that everywhere in News Mexico law where it “marriage,” was found, substitute “domestic partner.”
The legislation was undoubtedly unconstitutional so Mimi Stewart, sponsor of the legislation, this year, learned from the revelation.
Stewart from Albuquerque, carefully dropped “marriage” from this years legislation and substituted “spouse” and “spousal” instead of marriage in the 2008 version of the bill number, House Bill 9.
Substituting unconstitutional “marriage” for “spousal” seems like a good thing if it did not insult the intelligence of anyone who actually reads the bill and sees the vast expanse to litigation written to protect against homosexual rights.
Can New Mexico afford giving away all the rights of marriage, that is supposedly gay spouses for $25.00 and a form? In countries that have experimented domestic partners kill marriage. The number of children born out of wedlock has skyrocketed.
The question is, “Is this the kind of New Mexico we want to live in?”
Having passed the house the bill now goes to the Senate Public Affairs Committee at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29 for public comment.
If you are concerned about this legislation please let your legislators know. The New Mexico Legislative website it LEGIS.STATE.NM.US. The Capitol switchboard is (505) 986-4300.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez

******************** New Mexico House of Rep. Pass HB-9 on Thursday, January 24th
The New Mexico House of Representative debated House Bill 9 on Thursday, January 24th. This legislation passed by a vote of 33 to 31. House Bill 9 will legitimize homosexual relationships in the state and across the nation by creating domestic partnerships and allowing lawsuits again anyone disallowing, for example, domestic partnership certification, employment, or housing.
The Capitol has been carefully lobbied by the ACLU and a group calling itself Equity New Mexico. These groups have lobbyists knocking on door, organizing rallies and flooding legislators with email.
The bill now goes to a Senate committee, which has yet to be assigned, but possibly Public Affairs committee next Tuesday.
Rest assured, each member of the committee will receive hundreds of email, phone call and letters. The question remains, will the Christian community respond to the call or will homosexuality become the accepted norm in our state.
If you would like to express your concern regarding HB 9, please pray. Ask the Lord's favor and contact your senator The capitol switch board is (505) 986-4300. The website is LEGIST.STATE.NM.US.
If you would like to receive these legislative updates by email, send your email address to 2008nmlegislature@comcast.net.
God bless,
Jose Vasquez
************************ “Clergy” Speak Out in Favor of HB 9? The Domestic Partners Bill, HB 9, granting spousal rights to gay couples passed the New Mexico House of Representative today, Thursday, January 24, 2008.
House Speaker, Ben Lujan, had promised early and quick passage of the bill and has delivered with expedient passage by two House committees and now the House floor. The vote was 33 in favor and 31 against.
The gay and lesbian community will sometimes say the truth when they think we’re not listening. Stressed through out New Mexico’s Domestic Partners debate has been that HB 9, is not homosexual marriage.
But Jennifer Rose, a lesbian from San Francisco and an organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union and Equality New Mexico, has been working the state for this homosexual legislation for most of the past year.
“We’ve been traveling across the state everywhere from Gallup to Roswell to Las Cruces to Taos...” she says in the Santa Fe Reporter.
The Reporter asks Ms. Rose about the New Mexico Legislative process, “Is it a compromise to push domestic partnerships instead of a same-sex marriage bill?” she asks. “It’s a stepping stone.” Responds Ms. Rose.
Expect gay marriage next year if House Bill 9 passes this year.
The work of these organizations can be seen in the Wednesday January 23rd Santa Fe New Mexican. In a full page add paid for Equality New Mexico, the same people who pay Ms. Rose’s salary, the headline reads, “Members of New Mexico’s Clergy Stand United in Supporting Gay and Lesbian Families”. The add lists twenty five pastors and churches along with two Rabbis and their congregations, the majority of whom you’ve not heard of.
But the message is clear. What is important is that gay and lesbian rights are on their way to marriage in New Mexico despite the denials - and the 2008 New Mexico Legislature is the stepping stone to that end.
Lethargy in the Christian community will let this happen.
Please pray if you care about Biblical principles in New Mexico and contact your New Mexico legislators. The New Mexico legislative website with contact information is LEGIS.STATE.NM.US or call the legislative switchboard at (505) 986-4300.
Jose Vasquez Santa Fe, NM
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DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
HEARD EARLY AND MOVING QUICKLY THROUGH HOUSE COMMITTEES

January 19, 2008
Domestic Partners HB-9 (formerly HB 28) passed the house Commerce and Public Affairs Committee as expected on Thursday, January 17th. The bill, on the fast track for passage in the House, received a “do pass” from the committee with legislators voting along party lines.
The room was filled with supports of the bill with only 6 persons standing in opposition. Positive stories supporting the bill appeared in both the Albuquerque and Santa Fe newspapers the next day.
The bill, which will give homosexuals the same spousal rights as married couples and encourages them to sue if they feel discriminated against, moves on to the House Judiciary Committee.
The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 21, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in room 308 at the State Capitol building.

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DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
AT THE GOVERNOR'S REQUEST ON THE FAST TRACK FOR PASSAGE

January 17, 2008

The Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act has been re-numbered.
It is now *HB 9.
At the Governor’s urging, the bill will be the first heard in the Committee it's assigned to, currently the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.
The Domestic Partners bill, HB 9, is scheduled for hearing as follows:
Thursday, January 17, 2008
House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee
State Capitol Building Room #315
1:00 p.m. or after the House adjourns
Please note: Committee meetings are often delayed and sometimes rescheduled.
We would urge everyone to PRAY, to VISIT or CALL your legislators (especially your Representative in the House)
at (505) 986-4300 and to ATTEND the Committee meeting hearings at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe.
Thanks, and may God bless you.

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DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
WHAT IT MEANS FOR NEW MEXICO

January 14, 2008
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS HOUSE BILL 9
The New Mexico State Legislature convenes tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15, 2008. The Domestic Partnership Legislation, HB 9 (formerly HB 28), will be heard early in the session for quick passage. Governor Richardson will sign HB 9 into law when it passes, since he has called for the bill and supported this important legislation in the past.
It is important that New Mexicans understand the content of HB 9. The following is an analysis from a Christian perspective.
FACTS ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE BILL 9 (FORMERLY HB 28), "DOMESTIC PARTNERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT" January 2008
1. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LEGISLATION CLAIMS IT IS NOT TO BE A "MARRIAGE". Section 2. D. "domestic partnership" means a legal relationship that is not marriage.
BUT DOMESTIC PARTNERS HAVE ALL THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES (EXCEPT FOR SOME TAX ASPECTS) AS MARRIED PERSONS. Section 3. A. Domestic partners shall be entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections and benefits as are afforded or recognized, now or in the future, by the laws of the state to spouses, former spouses, widows or widowers…
3. YOU CAN BE SUED FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP. Section 3. B. It is unlawful to discriminate against a domestic partner or domestic partnership on the grounds that the partner is not a spouse, widow or widower, or is not in a marriage. It is also unlawful to discriminate against persons seeking to form a domestic partnership based upon any classification protected under the Human Rights Act.
4. ANYONE, ANYWHERE CAN BECOME A DOMESTIC PARTNER IN NEW MEXICO. Section 10 B. Each of us consents to the jurisdiction of the district courts of New Mexico … even if one or both of us do not reside in the state.
5. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS WILL COST $25.00. Section 7 B (6) …pay the required registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
6. DESPITE THE FACT THAT MAJOR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AFFORDED THESE PERSONS, FALSIFYING THESE DOCUMENTS IS ONLY A MISDEMEANOR. Section 9. Misrepresentation of Domestic Partnership Eligibility--Penalty.--Filing an intentionally and materially false affidavit of domestic partnership shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
7. COUNTY CLERK ARE DISALLOWED QUESTIONING PAPERWORK RECEIVED. Section 7 A county clerk shall accept the affidavit of domestic partnership when it is submitted and shall issue and record a certificate of domestic partnership.
8. ANYONE, INCLUDING COUNTY CLERKS, CAN BE SUED FOR "PREVENTING" DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS, DEPRIVING THEM OF THEIR RIGHTS, OR FOR CAUSING A SITUATION IN WHICH A PERSON IS "LIKELY BE DAMAGED". Section 3 B Any person who is otherwise damaged or is likely to be damaged by a violation of this section, either by being prevented from forming a domestic partnership or by being deprived of the rights provided for under the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, may be granted an injunction against the person or entity violating that act under the principles of equity and on terms that the court considers reasonable.
If you are sued for an assumed discriminatory act and the plaintiff prevails, you are then responsible for attorney fees even if damages are not proven. Section 3 B. Proof of actual damages is not required to recover attorney fees.
9. ANY SAME SEX "MARRIAGE" FROM ANY OTHER COUNTRY OR STATE WILL BE CONSIDERED LEGAL IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. Section 5. Reciprocity.--A marriage between persons of the same sex, domestic partnership, civil union or a substantially similar legal relationship other than common law marriage entered into in another jurisdiction shall be recognized in New Mexico as a domestic partnership as defined in the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act.
10. COURTS EVERYWHERE WILL BE REQUIRED TO SETTLE DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS CERTIFIED IN NEW MEXICO WHEN THE RELATIONSHIPS ARE TERMINATED. Section 2 C. A petition for dissolution, annulment or legal separation of a domestic partnership may be filed in the district court of the county in which the petitioner or respondent resides or last resided or in the county in which the domestic partnership is registered.
11. HB 9 CLAIMS TO PROVIDE "RELIGIOUS FREEDOM" BUT, IN FACT, THE NEW MEXICO'S 2003 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT DISALLOWS DISCRIMINATION, ESPECIALLY CHURCHES, AGAINST ANYONE'S "SEXUAL PREFERENCE" AND THE EXPRESSION OF THAT PREFERENCE. Section 6. Religious Freedom.--Nothing in the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act shall interfere with or regulate the religious practice of any religious body.
Only "religious bodies" (not defined) are exempt. Individuals whose beliefs are contrary to domestic partnerships are subject to prosecution.
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DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION PRE-FILED AS STEALTH MOVE January 8, 2008

Domestic Partner Legislation (HB 28) has been pre-filed for the New Mexico Legislative session beginning next Tuesday, January 15, 2008. The pre-filing strategy is an attempt to have the bill heard early in the session and passed without notice.

The bill would allow a domestic partnership to be created in lieu of a man/woman marriage with the same rights and privileges. The bill requires only contact with a county clerk, payment of $25.00 and a certificate must be issued. It might be assumed that this could be done over the internet or by mail. The only consequence for false information on the affidavit is a misdemeanor.

The net effect will be the destruction of marriage in our state and the obvious conceivable next step will be homosexual marriage.

HB 603 failed by one vote last year (the 2008 legislative session). Governor Richardson is adamantly behind this bill. A professional lobbyist has been hired to ensure passage of this legislation.

Will you please pray, ask those you know to pray and encourage contact with legislators on this important legislation.

January 1, 2008
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LOBBYIST HIRED TO ADVANCE NEW MEXICO’S LEGISLATIVE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA

New Mexico is one of five states that has neither a statute nor a constitutional provision prohibiting same-sex "marriage.”* As a result, New Mexico has attracted considerable attention from the homosexual community - resulting in financing and support to advance their agenda.

Presidential candidate, Governor Bill Richardson has taken note of the political opportunity and is actively pursuing the homosexual vote. On March 24, 2007, Governor Richardson appeared before two homosexual conventions, in Los Angles and Las Vegas, Nevada. On August 9, 2007 Governor Richardson touted his “Domestic Partners” legislation and the defeating of “Definition of Marriage” legislation in New Mexico.

Last year in 2007 the “Domestic Partners” bill which will grant "the same rights, protections and benefits under law as a spouse in marriage" was defeated by just one vote. The result is that a great deal of political pressure will be exerted to make New Mexico a mecca for homosexuals in 2008 for those seeking sanction for everything from child custody and adoption to insurance and eventually “marriage.”

Last year the homosexual community effectively organized to crowd into legislative committee rooms, overwhelming committee meetings with support. Only a small group of Christians were ever present. At one critical Public Affairs committee meeting, an estimated 50 to 60 homosexuals appeared but only 8 Christians were present. (The chair of the committee has said that no statement to the committee could be made if less than 6 persons were present representing a point of view.)

It has now been reported that a multi-millionaire homosexual, Kim Gill from Colorado, has hired a lobbyist to pass this legislation this year.

Jose Vasquez

*The states are Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island. (Massachusetts, as the result of a liberal judicial mandate, not over turned in the legislature, is “marrying” homosexual men and women.)

Dear Friends, 2008nmlegislature@comcast.net Gay Lobby Targets Sen. Campos - Gains Domestic Partners Support Dear Friends,

Please pray for the New Mexico Legislature.

A remarkable amount of money has been flowing into the New Mexico State Legislature in a concerted effort to pass Domestic Partners House Bill 9, a bill that expands homosexual rights in the state. One group, Equality New Mexico has hired four lobbyists to insure its passage. A Denver lawyer was found working the halls of the Capitol. The ACLU has had at least one lobbyist crisscrossing the state for the last 10 ½ months creating a state wide strategy and targeting specific Senators to vote for the legislation.

One of those legislators identified and targets has been Pete Campos, a Democrat from Las Vegas New Mexico. Mr. Campos in a Friday article in the Las Vegas Daily Optic came out in favor of the legislation. Because of the targeting, Senator, Mr. Campos received hundreds of letters swaying his decision in favor of the legislation.

The issue has been framed as “not legalizing same sex marriage” but as a “social justice issue,” and one that provides “equal justice” for gay couples.

The three lobby groups that have been identified in the state, the ACLU, Democracy for New Mexico and Equality New Mexico. They have done a terrific job in framing the issue in this way. It is only when you read the bill and read their publications that the truth emerges.

There is an internal debate in the gay community regarding House Bill 9. The bill is seen as pragmatic and politically progress but not nearly the expected end point. For example in an interview with the “Santa Fe Reporter” last week, Norma Vazquez de Houdek, how was “married” to Mary Houdek in New Mexico by a Sandoval county clerk in 2004, described HB 9 as “good first step to marriage.”

The fact is last year’s bill did contain the word “marriage”. What’s different this year is that, knowing the word failed to convince senators like Campos, the homosexual community this year changes the word to “spouse”. Everywhere in the 700 plus places where “spouse” appears in New Mexico law, New Mexicans will be required to substitute “domestic partner”. Opposing legislators like Rep. Nora Espinosa from Roswell, call this “just semantics."

The net effect is the same. Marriage is being redefined in our state. In addition, rather than equal rights, the bill, coupled with the civil rights legislation of 2003, allows homosexual couples to sue if the think they are being discriminated against. A photographer in Las Cruses, for example, is currently being sued because he has refused to photograph a homosexual “union” ceremony. And this is just the beginning of what Mr. Campos is calling “equal justice”.

It is important that persons contact and advise their Senators such as San Miguel County’s Mr. Campos, about their concerns and hope that his pronouncement on Friday will not be his final vote.

God bless,

Jose Vasquez

********************************

Please stay in prayer for our New Mexico Legislature as they debate Domestic Partners House Bill 9.

New Mexico was admitted to the Union in 1912. When Utah joined the Union in 1896, polygamy had to be addressed. To avoid the polygamy issue in New Mexico, a clause in the state constitution specially disallowed polygamy, and almost parenthetically, added that “marriage is between one man and one woman.”

In Last years attempt at legitimizing homosexual relationships read that everywhere in News Mexico law where it “marriage,” was found, substitute “domestic partner.”

The legislation was undoubtedly unconstitutional so Mimi Stewart, sponsor of the legislation, this year, learned from the revelation.

Stewart from Albuquerque, carefully dropped “marriage” from this years legislation and substituted “spouse” and “spousal” instead of marriage in the 2008 version of the bill number, House Bill 9.

Substituting unconstitutional “marriage” for “spousal” seems like a good thing if it did not insult the intelligence of anyone who actually reads the bill and sees the vast expanse to litigation written to protect against homosexual rights.

Can New Mexico afford giving away all the rights of marriage, that is supposedly gay spouses for $25.00 and a form? In countries that have experimented domestic partners kill marriage. The number of children born out of wedlock has skyrocketed.

The question is, “Is this the kind of New Mexico we want to live in?”

Having passed the house the bill now goes to the Senate Public Affairs Committee at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29 for public comment.

If you are concerned about this legislation please let your legislators know. The New Mexico Legislative website it LEGIS.STATE.NM.US. The Capitol switchboard is (505) 986-4300.

God bless,

Jose Vasquez

******************** New Mexico House of Rep. Pass HB-9 on Thursday, January 24th

The New Mexico House of Representative debated House Bill 9 on Thursday, January 24th. This legislation passed by a vote of 33 to 31. House Bill 9 will legitimize homosexual relationships in the state and across the nation by creating domestic partnerships and allowing lawsuits again anyone disallowing, for example, domestic partnership certification, employment, or housing.

The Capitol has been carefully lobbied by the ACLU and a group calling itself Equity New Mexico. These groups have lobbyists knocking on door, organizing rallies and flooding legislators with email.

The bill now goes to a Senate committee, which has yet to be assigned, but possibly Public Affairs committee next Tuesday.

Rest assured, each member of the committee will receive hundreds of email, phone call and letters. The question remains, will the Christian community respond to the call or will homosexuality become the accepted norm in our state.

If you would like to express your concern regarding HB 9, please pray. Ask the Lord's favor and contact your senator The capitol switch board is (505) 986-4300. The website is LEGIST.STATE.NM.US.

If you would like to receive these legislative updates by email, send your email address to 2008nmlegislature@comcast.net.

God bless,

Jose Vasquez

************************ “Clergy” Speak Out in Favor of HB 9? The Domestic Partners Bill, HB 9, granting spousal rights to gay couples passed the New Mexico House of Representative today, Thursday, January 24, 2008.

House Speaker, Ben Lujan, had promised early and quick passage of the bill and has delivered with expedient passage by two House committees and now the House floor. The vote was 33 in favor and 31 against.

The gay and lesbian community will sometimes say the truth when they think we’re not listening. Stressed through out New Mexico’s Domestic Partners debate has been that HB 9, is not homosexual marriage.

But Jennifer Rose, a lesbian from San Francisco and an organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union and Equality New Mexico, has been working the state for this homosexual legislation for most of the past year.

“We’ve been traveling across the state everywhere from Gallup to Roswell to Las Cruces to Taos...” she says in the Santa Fe Reporter.

The Reporter asks Ms. Rose about the New Mexico Legislative process, “Is it a compromise to push domestic partnerships instead of a same-sex marriage bill?” she asks. “It’s a stepping stone.” Responds Ms. Rose.

Expect gay marriage next year if House Bill 9 passes this year.

The work of these organizations can be seen in the Wednesday January 23rd Santa Fe New Mexican. In a full page add paid for Equality New Mexico, the same people who pay Ms. Rose’s salary, the headline reads, “Members of New Mexico’s Clergy Stand United in Supporting Gay and Lesbian Families”. The add lists twenty five pastors and churches along with two Rabbis and their congregations, the majority of whom you’ve not heard of.

But the message is clear. What is important is that gay and lesbian rights are on their way to marriage in New Mexico despite the denials - and the 2008 New Mexico Legislature is the stepping stone to that end.

Lethargy in the Christian community will let this happen.

Please pray if you care about Biblical principles in New Mexico and contact your New Mexico legislators. The New Mexico legislative website with contact information is LEGIS.STATE.NM.US or call the legislative switchboard at (505) 986-4300.

Jose Vasquez Santa Fe, NM

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DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
HEARD EARLY AND MOVING QUICKLY THROUGH HOUSE COMMITTEES

January 19, 2008

Domestic Partners HB-9 (formerly HB 28) passed the house Commerce and Public Affairs Committee as expected on Thursday, January 17th. The bill, on the fast track for passage in the House, received a “do pass” from the committee with legislators voting along party lines.

The room was filled with supports of the bill with only 6 persons standing in opposition. Positive stories supporting the bill appeared in both the Albuquerque and Santa Fe newspapers the next day.

The bill, which will give homosexuals the same spousal rights as married couples and encourages them to sue if they feel discriminated against, moves on to the House Judiciary Committee.

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 21, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in room 308 at the State Capitol building.

*******************

DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
AT THE GOVERNOR'S REQUEST ON THE FAST TRACK FOR PASSAGE

January 17, 2008

The Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act has been re-numbered.
It is now *HB 9.

At the Governor’s urging, the bill will be the first heard in the Committee it's assigned to, currently the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.

The Domestic Partners bill, HB 9, is scheduled for hearing as follows:

Thursday, January 17, 2008
House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee
State Capitol Building Room #315
1:00 p.m. or after the House adjourns

Please note: Committee meetings are often delayed and sometimes rescheduled.

We would urge everyone to PRAY, to VISIT or CALL your legislators (especially your Representative in the House)
at (505) 986-4300 and to ATTEND the Committee meeting hearings at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe.

Thanks, and may God bless you.

**************

DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION HB 9:
WHAT IT MEANS FOR NEW MEXICO

January 14, 2008

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS HOUSE BILL 9

The New Mexico State Legislature convenes tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15, 2008. The Domestic Partnership Legislation, HB 9 (formerly HB 28), will be heard early in the session for quick passage. Governor Richardson will sign HB 9 into law when it passes, since he has called for the bill and supported this important legislation in the past.

It is important that New Mexicans understand the content of HB 9. The following is an analysis from a Christian perspective.

FACTS ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE BILL 9 (FORMERLY HB 28), "DOMESTIC PARTNERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT" January 2008

1. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LEGISLATION CLAIMS IT IS NOT TO BE A "MARRIAGE". Section 2. D. "domestic partnership" means a legal relationship that is not marriage.

BUT DOMESTIC PARTNERS HAVE ALL THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES (EXCEPT FOR SOME TAX ASPECTS) AS MARRIED PERSONS. Section 3. A. Domestic partners shall be entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections and benefits as are afforded or recognized, now or in the future, by the laws of the state to spouses, former spouses, widows or widowers…

3. YOU CAN BE SUED FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP. Section 3. B. It is unlawful to discriminate against a domestic partner or domestic partnership on the grounds that the partner is not a spouse, widow or widower, or is not in a marriage. It is also unlawful to discriminate against persons seeking to form a domestic partnership based upon any classification protected under the Human Rights Act.

4. ANYONE, ANYWHERE CAN BECOME A DOMESTIC PARTNER IN NEW MEXICO. Section 10 B. Each of us consents to the jurisdiction of the district courts of New Mexico … even if one or both of us do not reside in the state.

5. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS WILL COST $25.00. Section 7 B (6) …pay the required registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

6. DESPITE THE FACT THAT MAJOR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AFFORDED THESE PERSONS, FALSIFYING THESE DOCUMENTS IS ONLY A MISDEMEANOR. Section 9. Misrepresentation of Domestic Partnership Eligibility--Penalty.--Filing an intentionally and materially false affidavit of domestic partnership shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

7. COUNTY CLERK ARE DISALLOWED QUESTIONING PAPERWORK RECEIVED. Section 7 A county clerk shall accept the affidavit of domestic partnership when it is submitted and shall issue and record a certificate of domestic partnership.

8. ANYONE, INCLUDING COUNTY CLERKS, CAN BE SUED FOR "PREVENTING" DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS, DEPRIVING THEM OF THEIR RIGHTS, OR FOR CAUSING A SITUATION IN WHICH A PERSON IS "LIKELY BE DAMAGED". Section 3 B Any person who is otherwise damaged or is likely to be damaged by a violation of this section, either by being prevented from forming a domestic partnership or by being deprived of the rights provided for under the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, may be granted an injunction against the person or entity violating that act under the principles of equity and on terms that the court considers reasonable.

If you are sued for an assumed discriminatory act and the plaintiff prevails, you are then responsible for attorney fees even if damages are not proven. Section 3 B. Proof of actual damages is not required to recover attorney fees.

9. ANY SAME SEX "MARRIAGE" FROM ANY OTHER COUNTRY OR STATE WILL BE CONSIDERED LEGAL IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. Section 5. Reciprocity.--A marriage between persons of the same sex, domestic partnership, civil union or a substantially similar legal relationship other than common law marriage entered into in another jurisdiction shall be recognized in New Mexico as a domestic partnership as defined in the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act.

10. COURTS EVERYWHERE WILL BE REQUIRED TO SETTLE DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS CERTIFIED IN NEW MEXICO WHEN THE RELATIONSHIPS ARE TERMINATED. Section 2 C. A petition for dissolution, annulment or legal separation of a domestic partnership may be filed in the district court of the county in which the petitioner or respondent resides or last resided or in the county in which the domestic partnership is registered.

11. HB 9 CLAIMS TO PROVIDE "RELIGIOUS FREEDOM" BUT, IN FACT, THE NEW MEXICO'S 2003 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT DISALLOWS DISCRIMINATION, ESPECIALLY CHURCHES, AGAINST ANYONE'S "SEXUAL PREFERENCE" AND THE EXPRESSION OF THAT PREFERENCE. Section 6. Religious Freedom.--Nothing in the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act shall interfere with or regulate the religious practice of any religious body.

Only "religious bodies" (not defined) are exempt. Individuals whose beliefs are contrary to domestic partnerships are subject to prosecution.

******

DOMESTIC PARTNER LEGISLATION PRE-FILED AS STEALTH MOVE January 8, 2008

Domestic Partner Legislation (HB 28) has been pre-filed for the New Mexico Legislative session beginning next Tuesday, January 15, 2008. The pre-filing strategy is an attempt to have the bill heard early in the session and passed without notice.

The bill would allow a domestic partnership to be created in lieu of a man/woman marriage with the same rights and privileges. The bill requires only contact with a county clerk, payment of $25.00 and a certificate must be issued. It might be assumed that this could be done over the internet or by mail. The only consequence for false information on the affidavit is a misdemeanor.

The net effect will be the destruction of marriage in our state and the obvious conceivable next step will be homosexual marriage.

HB 603 failed by one vote last year (the 2008 legislative session). Governor Richardson is adamantly behind this bill. A professional lobbyist has been hired to ensure passage of this legislation.

Will you please pray, ask those you know to pray and encourage contact with legislators on this important legislation.

January 1, 2008

******

LOBBYIST HIRED TO ADVANCE NEW MEXICO’S LEGISLATIVE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA

New Mexico is one of five states that has neither a statute nor a constitutional provision prohibiting same-sex "marriage.”* As a result, New Mexico has attracted considerable attention from the homosexual community - resulting in financing and support to advance their agenda.

Presidential candidate, Governor Bill Richardson has taken note of the political opportunity and is actively pursuing the homosexual vote. On March 24, 2007, Governor Richardson appeared before two homosexual conventions, in Los Angles and Las Vegas, Nevada. On August 9, 2007 Governor Richardson touted his “Domestic Partners” legislation and the defeating of “Definition of Marriage” legislation in New Mexico.

Last year in 2007 the “Domestic Partners” bill which will grant "the same rights, protections and benefits under law as a spouse in marriage" was defeated by just one vote. The result is that a great deal of political pressure will be exerted to make New Mexico a mecca for homosexuals in 2008 for those seeking sanction for everything from child custody and adoption to insurance and eventually “marriage.”

Last year the homosexual community effectively organized to crowd into legislative committee rooms, overwhelming committee meetings with support. Only a small group of Christians were ever present. At one critical Public Affairs committee meeting, an estimated 50 to 60 homosexuals appeared but only 8 Christians were present. (The chair of the committee has said that no statement to the committee could be made if less than 6 persons were present representing a point of view.)

It has now been reported that a multi-millionaire homosexual, Kim Gill from Colorado, has hired a lobbyist to pass this legislation this year.

Jose Vasquez

*The states are Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island. (Massachusetts, as the result of a liberal judicial mandate, not over turned in the legislature, is “marrying” homosexual men and women.)