From New Mexico FBIHOP:State Dems may add gay marriage to party platform

State Dems may add gay marriage to party platform
by: LP
Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 12:01:45 PM MDT

With the recent additions of Iowa and Vermont (not to mention Washington D.C.) to the ranks of states that allow same-sex marriage, some New Mexico Democrats hope the Land of Enchantment joins that short list soon.
Some New Mexico Democrats are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage to be added to the Democratic Party platform. In this year's session, domestic partnership failed after a floor vote in the Senate, but Gov. Bill Richardson is open to adding the domestic partnership proposal to a special session later this year.

"If the marriage resolution passed, that should send some message to legislators that action should be taken," Liz Stefanics, a state party central committee member, Santa Fe County commissioner and former state senator, told the Albuquerque Journal.

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DANCING ON AIR @ The Rio Grande Theatre Saturday, May 23, 2009

Las Cruces, NM (April 8, 2009) – The spirit of dance, with its graceful simulations of flight, is the essence of a group native to the Mesilla Valley. Project IN Motion brings the world of Modern Dance and Aerial Arts together in a concert that literally defies gravity. Celebrating ten years of Aerial Dance--in which performers climb, twist and tie strips of fabric around their bodies, high above the stage—Project IN Motion’s Professional Dance and Aerial Arts Company has wowed audiences across the country with feats of balletic mid-air poetry. Now they bring their finesse and fabric know-how to the Rio Grande Theatre, on May 23, 2009, at 7:30pm.

In an evening that is sure to keep the audience enthralled, professional dancers Hilary McDaniel-Douglas and Joseph Putman will bring their aerial expertise to the stage through social, political and poetic commentary, uniquely wrapped into seamless aerial fabric performances. El Paso native Sarah Navarrete, now dancing professionally in New York, will lead dancers Alyx Sanchez and Stephan Pohuski in renditions of Project IN Motion aerial and terrestrial dance favorites. The choreography of local physical poet Mei Ling Po McKay and PIM’s Billy Blanken will also be performed.

Come join Project IN Motion’s celebration of a Decade of Dance and Aerial Arts! Tickets are $12 for students & seniors; $15 for adults and are available at the Rio Grande Theatre box office or at the door. Call (575) 523-6403 to purchase by phone. Further information on Project IN Motion can be found on-line at www.projectinmotion.com

NY TIMES: Gay Rights Groups Celebrate Victories in Marriage Push

By ABBY GOODNOUGH
Published: April 7, 2009

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Gay-rights groups say that momentum from back-to-back victories on same-sex marriage in Vermont and Iowa could spill into other states, particularly since at least nine other legislatures are considering measures this year to allow marriage between gay couples.

A crowd gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to await the outcome of a vote to override the governor’s veto.

The Vermont Legislature on Tuesday overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto of a bill allowing gay couples to marry, mustering one more vote than needed to preserve the measure.

The step makes Vermont the first state to allow same-sex marriage through legislative action instead of a court ruling, and comes less than a week after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages in that state.

New York, New Jersey, Maine and New Hampshire are among the states where such proposals have gained legislative support in recent months.

“This is a reminder to those legislatures that they should finish the job,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a national advocacy group based in New York. “Contrary to the claims made by the opponents of equality, it’s not just judges, it’s not just the coasts, and it’s not just going away.”

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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails historic Iowa Supreme Court ruling granting the freedom to marry to same-sex couples

WASHINGTON, April 3 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails today’s Iowa Supreme Court unanimous ruling in Varnum v. Brien saying that same-sex couples are legally entitled to marry. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was a signatory to a larger amicus brief supporting the marriage equality position. Additionally, Task Force organizers were recently sent to Iowa where they worked with One Iowa’s field staff to grow the group’s volunteer base that was active with One Iowa’s legislative advocacy in support of the freedom to marry.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“This ruling marks another watershed moment in the struggle for full equality. No longer will same-sex couples have their relationships treated as less than equal by the state. The court rightly affirmed that no loving committed couple should be denied marriage and the critical protections only marriage can provide. This ruling also affirms our common humanity by providing same-sex couples with the opportunity to participate in the shared hopes and dreams of making a public commitment to the person they love. We are thrilled that equality has come to Iowa!

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the plaintiffs and groups that made today’s victory possible, especially to Lambda Legal for serving as lead legal counsel, and One Iowa for its statewide public education and advocacy to promote the freedom to marry. We know that many fair-minded Iowans — and fair-minded people across the country — will be celebrating with us in response to today’s decision.”

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org.