Democracy for New Mexico

Happy Valentines Day! Love Grows

After 22 Valentine Days with Barb I greet this Valentines Day with mixed emotions. To start the day Peter Moulson and I rushed up to the legislature in Santa Fe to be sure the latest Super DOMA legislation did not go any further in this 2012 Legislative session. And it did'nt. Hate stopped again in NM.

It dawned on me writing my rant to Chavez yesterday that what I experienced with Barb was beautiful soulful love. I mean I knew we were in love but we were deeply connected. It grows even now when she is no longer with me, it grew while I took care of her, her last weeks, months, days, hours of life. Love grows people.

I realize that the body is just that, be it male or female. It is the soul within the space suit that matters. We are lucky to find a soul mate. A soul to help us grow in our understanding of love.

Below is a poem my soul mate Barbara put up on Valentines Day 2007. It is perfect still for today and I thought I would share it from Barb and myself. Love you Barb. Always did. Always have. Always will. Happy Valentines day to all! xoxo

We were talking
about the space between us all
and people who hide themselves
behind a wall of illusion
never glimpse the truth
then it's far too late
when they pass away

We were talking
about the love we all could share
When we find it
to try our best to hold it there
with our love, with our love
we could save the world
if they only knew

Try to realize it's all within yourself
no one else can make you change
And to see you're really only very small
and life flows on within you and without you

We were talking
about the love that's gone so cold
and the people who gain the world
and lose their soul
They don't know, they can't see
Are you one of them?

When you've seen beyond yourself
then you may find
peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come
when you see we're all one
and life flows on within you and without you

"He's Baaack" Rep. "Chucky" David Chavez Re-Introduces HJR-22

In the words of Ellen Degeneres: The Haters are my motivators!

Our friend Rep. "Chucky" David Chavez is baaack with his hate legislation, HJR-22. He is going to re-introduce the legislation tomorrow.

Please come and defend your LGBT brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends and colleagues, our right to love whom we want.

What: House Consumer and Public Affairs committee hearing on HJR 22
When: Tuesday, February 14th at 8:30 am
Where: The Roundhouse, Santa Fe, room 315.

Caving under peer pressure and the hubris of the haters, the accused wife abuser, and divorcee has decided to re-present the bigotry hate anti equality legislation.

Following is the exact language from HJR22: "Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. A marriage, civil union or similar relationship entered into by persons of the same sex that is recognized by another state or foreign jurisdiction is void and shall not be recognized for any purpose in this state. In the exercise of the state's police power and recognizing the state's strong interest in governing the relationships between married persons, the provisions of this section shall apply retroactively."

How fitting for Valentine's Day. Are the haters that full of disdain? We are humans. We pay taxes. We pay social security and everything you pay for. The difference is we don't get the spousal benefits. So for example haters let me be clear; when your partner, lover dies as mine did recently,the survivor gets no social security benefits which the loving partner has paid into their whole life. And we at the state level aren't even talking about that one huge benefit that helps the surviving spouse, social security benefits.

To Mr"Chucky" David Chavez you may think you can kill homosexuality, or people of the same sex loving each other dearly and passionately. But you Can't. My partner died 8 weeks ago of toxic cancer. I love her more now than I did then. Together for 23 years and my love has continued to grow. While I took care of her the weeks before she died, helping her into bed, helping her eat and drink, helping her do all things, our love for each other grew. Explain that one to me? Homosexual lesbian love growing even after death. Love grows if you have the capacity to love. Yep you and your haters were successful and never letting Barb and I marry, but our love was so big and strong it could survive without the piece of paper and benefits that go with it and even grow after her passing. Can you imagine that haters? Mr Smothermon what does the Legacy Church say about that strong of love? Are there words for that strong of love between two people who happen to be women?

Watch the following video of a Republican Washington State Legislator.

Tonight, the evening before Valentine's day, I say go pick on some one else. Go clean up your own life of divorce and who knows what else. And to all the intimidators, shaming you back into reviving this hate bill go help some people in need. Spread some love.

We are minding our own business. Living and dying and loving eachother. Leave us alone. You are nothing but a bully and a hater over pure outstanding love.

Guest Blog: Some Politicians Talk About Supporting Equality: Marty gets it Done.

Below is a guest blog from Jim Maddox a Albuquerque realtor. The photo to the right is Marty Chavez meeting with small business people, Jim Maddox is the man on the far right in the picture. 

How many times have we supported a candidate throughout their campaign, only to see little or no results once they are elected? Before we put our money where our mouth is, we must know we are electing a Congressman who will deliver on the issue that matters most: equality for all. That's why I'm supporting Marty Chavez and contributing to his campaign and it's why Marty has been endorsed by leading LGBTQ fundraising organization equalitygiving.org!

Marty is a three-time mayor of Albuquerque, and for the duration of his time in office, he always stood up for the LGBTQ community. He stuck his neck out for LGBTQ city workers years ago, before it was the political fad of the day to support the LGBTQ community. Marty Chavez doesn't just support us - he is a pioneer for gay rights in New Mexico, and he set the standard for the Democratic Party on LGBT issues in New Mexico. He signed the first Hate Crimes law in New Mexico to include sexual orientation. He signed the first executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. And he mandated domestic partner benefits for city employees. Some politicians talk about supporting equality: Marty gets it done.

That's what I want for New Mexico, and that's what I want for our country. When Marty is elected to the House of Representatives for the First Congressional District of New Mexico, it will mean we all have a Congressman to represent our interests and our fight for equality—nationwide. I want to elect a politician who has the strength and the character to stand up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals as Marty has done throughout his career—not when it was convenient, or stylish—but when it made a difference to us, and to our entire community.

Marty Chavez has always been the first to support us. Now it's time for us to stand up and support him. I hope you'll join me.

Sponsor Pulls DOMA Less than 24 Hours from Hearing and A Word from Ellen

In another victory for civil rights and all New Mexico families, Valencia County Representative David Chavez (R) withdrew HJR 22 from consideration today, ending his attempt to rewrite New Mexico's constitution to prevent the recognition of marriages between committed couples of the same sex.

Last week, ProgressNow New Mexico launched a campaign for New Mexicans to send Chavez's their own stories of loving and committed relationships which deserve protection.  Residents from across the state sent Chavez emails and late today, ProgressNow announced that it was preparing to deliver those stories in person to Chavez during tomorrow's House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee where the bill would be heard.

But late this afternoon, Committee Chairperson Gail Chasey announced that Chavez had withdrawn the bill from consideration.

"This has been a big week for equality across the country, and I'm glad to see New Mexico join the fray," said Pat Davis, ProgressNow NM's Executive Director. "We applaud those who stood up for marriage opportunity! Now, let's get back to legislation that put's Representative Chavez's constituents back to work."

New Mexico's defeat over DOMA comes in the same week that the US Court of Appeals in the 9th Circuit ruled California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 unconstitutional and on the same day that Washington State's legislature approved a measure to award full marriage equality to all couples.

Here is a great link of Ellen Degeneres talking about Prop 8, and her latest sponsor JCPenney and her traditional values. For sure worth watching! Best line " My haters are my Motivators"!

Anti-Equality Action Alert: Rep. David Chavez's "super-DOMA" Bill to be Considered Thursday

Anti-equality legislation designed to inhibit the free exercise of civil rights will be considered Thursday in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. Rep. David Chavez is sponsoring a bill that seeks to re-write the New Mexico state constitution so as to exclude committed same-sex couples from enjoying marriage equality.

Last week we told you about Chavez's bill and began a letter writing campaign telling Rep. Chavez not to create second-class citizens in New Mexico. Scores of concerned citizens sent letters to Chavez voicing their opposition to his bill. (Add your voice to our letter writing campaign by clicking here.)

Chavez's HJR 22 is know as a "super-DOMA" bill, as it seeks to apply the federal provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies marriage rights to same-sex couples, to the New Mexico state constitution.

Recently, the withering movement of anti-equality activism by politicians like David Chavez has taken a number of blows. Here are a few of the most obvious indications that intolerance in America is waning:

• Last year, President Obama repealed the infamous "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy and instructed the Justice Department to longer defend DOMA in court.
• Statehouses throughout America have begun to enact marriage equality legislation; just last week the Washington state senate passed a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed. When Washington's bill is signed into law it will become the ninth state (including Washington D.C.) to recognize same-sex marriages.
• Yesterday, the U.S. 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned California's abhorrent Prop 8 ballot measure that limited marriage rights to heterosexual couples only. The 9^th Circuit found that Prop 8 violated the U.S. Constitution. The court said that, "Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California."
• Public support for marriage equality is growing steadily and consistently in the United States. In 1996 only 27% of Americans favored gay marriage, in 2009 37% favored it. But a 2011 Pew Research Center poll found that, for the first time in history, Americans are evenly divided over the issue (45% in favor, 46% oppose). The trend is clear and the numbers of people in favor of marriage equality will only grow in coming years as almost 65% of young Americans wish homosexuals enjoyed full marriage rights.

ProgressNow New Mexico is encouraging concerned citizens to attend the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee meeting and voice their support for marriage equality. The committee will meet on Thursday, February 9 at 1:30pm in room 315 of the Roundhouse.

And, if you haven't already, we encourage you to send Rep. Chavez an email letting him know that you believe in healthy, committed relationships, not second-class ones. ProgressNow NM will be presenting the letters to Chavez and other members of the committe during the hearing.

Great News for Love Today, CA Appeals Court Finds Prop 8 Unconstitutional

The picture above was taken in early 2009
at an Abq. protest of Prop 8.

I only wish Barb was here to revel in this victory for love with me. We must keep on pushing for civil rights for all. Let's not have other couples loose each other in death prior to celebrating their lives together in love and commitment.  

I am going to link to a few articles that explain the history and the ruling today in detail.

The NOH8 campaign is a website specifically designed to follow California Prop 8, you can find the coverage here.

American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER)is leading the fight for the freedom to marry and equality under the law, AFER is the sole organizational sponsor of the groundbreaking federal court case to overturn California's Proposition 8.

And the Courage Campaign. Adding to the information today that the opponents were trying to get Judge Walker thrown of the case cause he is gay, but no on that measure as well. From the Prop 8 Trial tracker:
Prop8TrialTracker.com has received the 9th Circuit’s opinion in Perry v. Brown that Proposition 8, the 2008 voter-enacted ban on marriage equality in California, is unconstitutional. In addition, the appeals panel ruled that the proponents of Prop 8 did have standing to pursue their appeal of Judge Walker’s decision striking down the marriage ban, and upheld District Court Judge Ware’s decision denying a stay to throw out Walker’s ruling because he is gay. The ruling on constitutionality was divided on an 2-1 vote, with Judges Stephen Reinhardt and Michael Hawkins voting to strike Prop 8 down, and Judge N. Randy Smith voting to uphold the ban. The ruling regarding standing and the motion to throw out Judge Walker’s decision was a unanimous 3-0 vote

The Decision can be read following this here.Read up NM State Rep.Chavez, who is currently embarking on his own Prop 8 look alike for the State of NM. Chavez has proposed legislation regarding outlawing marriage of loving couples. He too wants to put love out to a vote to New Mexicans to change the Constitution saying marriage is illegal for same sex couples, and Chavez goes further to say that anyone in another state who is married is not welcome here with their marriage. Is this what New Mexico is about? This diverse state? This matter is being challenged through the courts, and the answer is coming out the same, lesbians and gay men have a right to marry. Marriage is a piece of paper which joins two in love and commitment in the eyes of society.

Also, here is a message to the Legacy Church Pastor Mr. Smothermon: The LGBT community also has a right to work, anywhere we want to work. Take note protoge Dan Lewis running for Congressional District 1.

Next will be the United States Supreme Court, I am sure the haters will not quit on this one.

This used to be a good ole chant: We're here, we're queer, get used to it!

DFNM has done several other posts while following this campaign of hate. See one here.

Senator Tim Z. Jennings Rises on Senate Floor to Support PRC Appointee

Senator Tim Z. Jennings rises to a point of personal privilege on the Senate floor today. Senator Jennings wanted to comment on Governor Martinez's most recent appointment to the PRC. Gov. Martinez appointed Doug Howe an openly gay man to serve on the Public Regulation Commission. Sen. jennings said that it is time we put the matter of sexual preferences aside. The government has no business in any persons bedroom. The matter of sexual orientation should never be brought up about anyone. "Our Country is a Country of freedoms." said Jennings.

Sen. Jennings stressed the need for talented, smart, thoughtful people to be within government positions, including at this point within the troubled PRC. "Let the man do his business, he is very qualified." Jennings stated "What matters is what is the best for the State of New Mexico."

Recently, NMPolitics.net posted a story regarding Martinez and the appointment of Howe and the holy man Pastor Steve Smothermon of the Legacy Church in Abq. Smothermon was openly expressing his disgust at Gov. Martinez. Why is the pastor disgusted? Because Martinez had the audacity to appoint a gay man to the PRC.

Full of love for his flock, as long as you are not LGBT. The Legacy Church has over 20,000 New Mexicans who attend this church. Please note that Smothermon is no stranger to controversy, in fact he may thrive in it. The Albuquerque Journal published a piece about Smothermon on Dec. 4, 2011, called Pulpit and Politics. A quote from that article; Smothermon preaching from the pulpit, “Whoever said the church shouldn’t be involved in the political things of our day? That’s the question. Let me give you the answer. … God’s word never said that.”

Smothermon clearly answers to a higher authority. His interpretation of the higher authority is very restrictive regarding the LGBTQ community and what jobs the LGBTQ community can have. I suggest Pastor Smothermon watch the movie "The Help", those racist, bigots in that movie owning slaves also thought they were justified for such inhuman behavior towards another human.

Jennings continued, "How we have to work to get along and that devisive comments do not advance the needs of the state." Jennings congratulated the Governor for her choice of Howe. Perhaps Howe can get the PRC going on the right path again.

Mr. Smothermon please listen; all the LGBTQ community wants to do is live, work for an honest living, feed our families, pay our taxes. Contribute to society with our God given talents. Isn't there enough hate in the world?

Best of luck and skill to Mr. Howe.  And thank you Sen. Jennings for speaking out on the floor against bigotry.

Hypocrite Rep. David Chavez Continues his Push to Amend the Constitution to Oppose Gay Marriage

Representative David Chavez released documents this morning crying foul about a post which Democracy for New Mexico put up yesterday. A link to that post is here. A quick recap of the post; Rep. Chavez introduced House Joint Resolution (HJR22) on Jan. 24, 2012. Rep. Chavez explains this is a “Call for a constitutional amendment to abolish same-sex marriages, and allow voters to decide this issue”. Yesterday this blog highlighted some disturbing past marriage matters of Mr. Chavez which would make Mr. Chavez less that an expert when it comes to the loving commitment of marriage and the vows that accompany it.

Rep. Chavez this morning sent out a document titled “State Rep. Chavez Blasts Organizations for Spreading Misleading Information.” Here is page 1 and page 2 of the document. Within this document he mentions and attaches two other items. One is a document titled “Stipulated Order of Dismissal” dated Oct. 28, 2010, attached here, and the other is this audio recording released on the day before the 2010 election, Download ChavezExWifeRecording_(2010).

Democracy for New Mexico is attaching a copy of the legal documents which were the basis of our story yesterday. One is the first page of the "Petition for Order of Protection from Domestic Abuse" here, and the first page of the divorce filing here. There are plenty more papers in the pile of court documents, but these should suffice on the relevance to the assertion that Rep. Chavez has no right leading a charge about the marriage rights of others.

It is no surprise Rep. Chavez is asking for a retraction of the statement posted here yesterday. We are sure it is embarrassing to have your dirty laundry aired to the public. However, I see no reason to retract anything, it is a fact your wife petitioned the court of Valencia County to protect herself from you on October 14, 2010. She signed the papers drawn up with a clerk, and notarized at the courthouse. It also is no big surprise that 14 days later when Mr. Chavez was asked to appear in court, that an agreement was hatched out having Mrs. Chavez drop the petition she filed 14 days earlier saying she was afraid of you. In the court papers attained of the Oct. 14 filing under the question - Do you consider the respondent (Mr Chavez) to be dangerous? Mrs Chavez answered  ”he has threatened me and taken my belongings.”

Rep. Chavez asks us to believe Mrs. Chavez divorce attorney filed these misleading documents as a ploy, as part of their divorce proceedings. Again if this is true what right does your marriage and abuse of marriage allow you the audacity to judge others desire to get married. The thought that one would have to go through such deception to divorce, to fake abuse, please don't judge other peoples love.

The question still remains is Mr Chavez an expert on marriage when his own attempt at marriage ended in divorce? What gives Rep. Chavez the right to lead the charge on judging who other people can marry in this state?  Perhaps Mr. Chavez could learn a thing or two about commitment and love and caring from some loving gay and lesbian relationships.

Rep.  Chavez states in this release “ All I want is for the people of NM to have a say in whether our state recognizes same sex messages.” (He meant marriages I presume. Although I personally love same sex messages too.) So, HJR 22 will just put the right for loving gay couples to marry out to the citizens of NM for a vote. Maybe we should just put it out for a vote to the citizens of NM whether Mr. Chavez should be allowed to marry again. Let’s ask the citizens of NM if you should have the right to marry?

Putting people’s rights out to a public vote is not American. American values are founded on all citizens are created equal and shall have equal protection under all laws. Would the African American struggle ever been won if it had gone out for a popular vote to the people of the country at that time. That is when leaders are needed, to lead the people to what is fair and just. Not the public mob mentality.

For the record: The acceptance of gay marriage in the state of NM was polled in mid- December 2011. You can see the DFNM post here. The polling is showing a shift of acceptance of NM citizens supporting the rights of gay people to marry or join into a union of some account. 

Across the Country the acceptance of gay marriage is rising steadily, especially among the young voters. This Freedom to Marry article here explains the acceptance trend. Acceptance that homosexuality is a natural thing. As natural as being a lefty instead of a righty. At one time not long ago if you were a child and showed hints that you were a lefty you would be beaten into using your right hand. That is no longer what parents and teachers and rule makers do. Now a days we accept a person that is a lefty as a lefty, it is considered natural. One day being gay will be treated as such, just a natural behavior. No big deal, no stigmatising, no harassing.

Other states in the union that have passed Marriage Equality, Gay Marriage, or Same sex Marriage laws are listed within this HRC link.

Regrettably , Representative Chavez was accurate in his stating 29 states have passed laws banning gay marriage some even banning civil unions. Please see this Wikipedia article to see these facts.
Let’s not have New Mexico be another one of these states of discrimination against the LGBTQ community.  Note the rise of these states passing these bans on same sex marriage is directly proportional to the rise in acceptance.

Lastly, ProgressNow NM wrote a piece on this topic. And launched the following:
ProgressNow New Mexico is encouraging New Mexicans to send letters to Chavez calling on him to promote legislation that promotes loving healthy relationships instead of creating second-class ones.  The online effort, launched at ProgressNowNM is active now.

We will end with the following quote from San Diego's Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders- a chair of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry-  “Allowing loving and committed couples to join in marriage has benefits not just for couples and their families—but also for society.  Marriage encourages people to take responsibility for each other, provides greater security for children, and helps our country live up to its promises set forth in our founding documents. These are important values for a strong society, and we should encourage them.” 

The Hypocrisy of Rep. David Chavez to Question Other People’s Right to Marriage

  

Warning: Loving gay and lesbian (same sex) homosexual couples above have possible marriage certificate from another state. Consider these couples armed with love and dangerous with commitment to each other.

On the other hand: Accused domestic abuse predator is on the loose in the roundhouse making laws. This law maker and accused law breaker wants to make love and commitment illegal. Furthermore, if you are in love do not bring your healthy loving commitment to this state of New Mexico.

The Ultimate Hypocrisy

Representative David Chavez felt compelled to introduce a Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Resolution during this short 30 day session. House Joint Resolution 22 (HJR22) was introduced by Rep. David Chavez on 1/24/12. This resolution is certainly not germane to the budget of the state of New Mexico.  This resolution is introduced for the sole purpose of discrimination and bigotry of a segment of our population, of which I am a part of.

Following is the exact language from HJR22: "Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. A marriage, civil union or similar relationship entered into by persons of the same sex that is recognized by another state or foreign jurisdiction is void and shall not be recognized for any purpose in this state. In the exercise of the state's police power and recognizing the state's strong interest in governing the relationships between married persons, the provisions of this section shall apply retroactively."

Representative David Chavez has no respect for the institution of marriage. He is a failure on the topic by all accounts. Records show Rep. Chavez was accused by his wife of Domestic Abuse in mid October 2010, the beloved wife of Rep. Chavez filed a “Petition for order from Domestic abuse”, and a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” on that very same day in October 2010. The loving couple were joined in “Holy Matrimony” on July 27, 2006. Under the eyes of God, and the blessing of their community and family, these two humans entered into the institution of holy matrimony. Their marriage or “civil union” lasted 4 years and 2 months.

I suggest Rep. Chavez leave his hands off any definition of marriage since he obviously does not understand marriage and is a failure in understanding the commitment and love and trust.

Many people know Barbara, my partner, lover, soul mate, passed away a short time ago. Barb and I were together 22 years. Through thick and thin, through sickness and health till death do us part, type togetherness. More of a marriage than Rep. Chavez may ever be able to even recognize. I am grateful for this love I shared with Barb. It is hard to find and work through all the matters when two people join hearts. But we did it. Why - because we loved each other. Because we believed in working together and communicating and showed each other respect.

What really got to me was when I picked up Barb’s death certificate, and under marital status it said “Never Married”. Never Married after 22 years, never married because of hypocrites like Rep. Chavez. Never married because of the hate filled rhetoric of too many. Never Married because of the desire for some to use the gay marriage issue as a divisive tool to get their own agenda across. Never married because of closed minds and hearts.

Lastly, I would like to see the reaction that a heterosexual, male female couple would have if when they crossed into the state of New Mexico’s their marriage would dissolve. Poof gone. Kaput.

There is no date on the Legislative website that this HJR is being heard and in what committee and when. Please call your legislature and say this has no business being heard. Discrimination is not part of America’s values.

Republican Rep. David Chavez Introduces DOMA Bill and to Amend Constitution

Here we go again. More hatefilled bills being introduced at this 2012 Leg. Session. I do not see how it is germane for this session, since all bills introduced should be tied towards financial matters. Let's see if the Governor allows it. The bills name is HJR 22 you can read it here.

Equality New Mexico has launched a petition for Rep. Chavez to withdraw his DOMA Amendment. Please sign petition here.

Several states have passed marriage equality, we are going the wrong way here people. Please help us defeat this bill.

Bipartisan “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” Launches

Come on Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry Sign on! Contact our Mayor here.

Independent Michael Bloomberg of New York City, Republican Jerry Sanders of San Diego and Democrats Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Thomas Menino of Boston, Annise Parker of Houston and Rahm Emanuel of Chicago Among Key Backers

Today, Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, is launching Mayors for the Freedom to Marry at a press conference held at the 80th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, D.C.  Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is a bipartisan group of 80 mayors who have pledged to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.

“If we truly believe in family values, we should value all families,” said Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Mayor, Mayors for the Freedom to Marry chair and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Denying gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry weakens society by hurting our communities, neighbors, and families. We hope other mayors will sign the pledge and join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.”

The group includes mayors from cities and towns—large and small—with diverse geographic, ethnic and political backgrounds. The list includes the mayors of America’s four largest cities—Michael Bloomberg of New York, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, and Annise Parker of Houston. It also includes mayors from cities including Juneau, Alaska; Des Moines, Iowa; and Bloomington, Indiana. View the full list of signers here.

Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is part of Freedom to Marry’s federal campaign to expand public support for ending marriage discrimination.   Mayors who sign on will employ tailored strategies for making the case for the freedom to marry in their communities. Many mayors who represent cities in states where marriage is not yet a reality will advocate to pass laws to secure the freedom to marry. Others will make the case to their congressional representatives to end federal marriage discrimination by repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). All are making a statement as to why marriage matters in their communities, how it improves the quality of life for their constituents, and how it makes their communities economically stronger.

“A majority of Americans now support the freedom to marry for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples, according to multiple reputable national polls,” said Marc Solomon, National Campaign Director of Freedom to Marry. “Many Americans who for decades opposed the freedom to marry for same-sex couples are rethinking their position, and hearts and minds are changing.  We are proud – and thankful – for the leadership these mayors from across the country are showing in support of this cause.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, who is also a chair of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, discussed the positive impact allowing couples the freedom to marry has made in New York.

“In only a season, the freedom to marry has already made New York a stronger state.  This isn’t about partisanship or ideology.  It’s about extending the freedoms of our country to all people, and ensuring equal protection under the law.  Mayors understand that welcoming committed gay couples to the rights and responsibilities of marriage isn’t just the right thing to do.  It’s also the smart thing to do for the diverse, dynamic, forward-looking cities we’re all working to build.”

Republican Mayor of San Diego and fellow chair of the group Jerry Sanders, who became a powerful advocate for marriage when he announced in 2007 that he would sign a city council resolution in support of the freedom to marry told his personal story of how his views evolved.

“Allowing loving and committed couples to join in marriage has benefits not just for couples and their families—but also for society.  Marriage encourages people to take responsibility for each other, provides greater security for children, and helps our country live up to the promises set forth in our founding documents. These are important values for a strong society, and we should encourage them.”

Mayors for the Freedom to Marry chair Annise Parker, Mayor of Houston, highlighted the important role of community leaders working together.

"Everyone here believes in the vital importance of marriage to our constituents, to our communities, and to our country.  Together, we will work to ensure that our cities have what they need to thrive – and in order to keep our cities competitive in business and welcoming in culture, we will work hard to win the freedom to marry everywhere and end federal marriage discrimination once and for all."

Boston Mayor Tom Menino—former President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and a chair of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry—said that extending marriage to gay and lesbian couples has been a benefit to his city’s economy.

“Cities that cultivate diversity are places where creativity and innovation thrive,” Menino said. “We’ve now had the freedom to marry in Boston for almost eight years. Since then we’ve seen more same-sex couples move to the city, and with that economic development, urban revitalization, and a spirit of pride and progress that are hallmarks of Boston.”

U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran also gave remarks.

"Building on our long track record on civil rights, the U.S Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in 1984 calling for the legal protection of gay and lesbian rights at all levels of government and one in 2009 calling for marriage equality for same-sex couples,” Cochran said. “Our support is unwavering."

Mayors who participated in the launch included Laura Friedman of Glendale, CA; Bill Finch of Bridgeport, CT; Pedro Segarra of Hartford, CT; Joy Cooper of Hallandale Beach, FL; Elizabeth Tisdahlof Evanston, IL; Jeff Slavin of Somerset, MD; Setti Warren of Newton, MA; Paul Soglin of Madison, WI; John Callahan of Bethlehem, PA; Sam Adams of Portland, OR and Craig Cates of Key West, FL.

New Mexicans In Favor of Same-Sex Marriage and Support Occupy Wall Street

Yes you read that right! New Mexicans are in favor of same sex marriage!

From the Public Policy Polling website the post "New Mexico for Gay Marriage" was put up on Dec. 20th. You can read the entire article here. And now I can remember Christopher Salas sending me a message saying Barb would be happy about this. And yes indeed Christopher she would. I am sorry I did not have the clearity of mind to go look this up last week because it is exciting news. I must say it is too bad my Barb passed away two days prior to this poll release. I miss her and I am going to miss her social security check, which every straight married couple gets to continue to receive.

PPP states the following shift: "PPP last polled the state in June, voters were against legalizing it by a 42-48 margin.  In the intervening half-year, opinion has moved eight points, with 45% now wanting gay couples to be able to legally marry in the state, and 43% still against it.  The reason for the shift is that Democrats (from 34% to 28%) and independents (44% to 37%) have lowered their opposition by six or seven points.  Further, two-thirds of New Mexicans also still favor these relationships being recognized with at least the legal equality of civil unions.  That includes 78% of Democrats, 71% of independents, and 41% of Republicans." For sure promising good news. Maybe people have more to worry about than Gay Marriage.

Polling is always a bit of a mystery because the next paragraph states the poll revealed that Gov. Martinez has only slipped marginally in her approval ratings. Hmmm. Seems like conflicting ideals but let us accept it as it is.

Dig this too: The PPP poll also revealed some interesting polling stats over the approval of Occupy Wall Street movement vs the Tea Party movement.

Q9 Do you support or oppose the goals of the Occupy Wall Street movement?
Support 42%, Oppose 37%, Not sure 21%.

Q10 Do you support or oppose the goals of the Tea Party movement?
Support 34%, Oppose 50%, Not sure 16%.

Q11 Do you have a higher opinion of the Occupy Wall Street movement or the Tea Party movement?
Occupy Wall Street 44%, Tea Party 38%, Not sure 18%.

What's Next

We have not heard or asked what the LGBT community is pushing for in the 2012 Legislature this year. Maybe one of our legislators could carry a marriage equality bill. The poll above says that 41 % of republicans polled support civil unions. Perhaps we can move the civil rights battle for LGBT americans further down the field, to be treated fairly as the tax paying citizens we are.

Earlier this year we got Senator Udall and Senator Bingaman to sign on to cosponsor the repeal of DOMA legislation on the federal level. More than 1,000 of you signed a petition asking that they support the bill. Many of those signing the petition included very moving and passionate statements of support for equality for same-sex couples and the entire LGBT community. You can read them here.

If you look at the petition signatures you will not find many of our State Legislators. Barb and I solicited their participation, with personal emails. But alas if you look at the signatures you will find but a handful of State Senators or Represenatives who signed this petition. Not acceptable. Whether it is lethargy or fear of stepping out and supporting full gay rights, the time is now. Carpe diem!

Lastly below is an audio of my partner Barbara Wold, being interviewed by Peter St. Cyr right after an exciting Democratic Party State Central Committee Meeting where the resolutions we were carrying for Gay Marriage passed unanimously. Go Barb! We are still in the fight honey!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fia600806.us.archive.org%2F7%2Fitems%2FBarbaraWoldDomesticPartnerships%2FBarbaraWoldOnMarriageEqualityResolution4252009.mp3&h=9AQHESHPOAQFjoVXKpzl_s_rBRRcBhR1zrx7TjQSRjdJK_w