The battle over the legalities of same-sex marriage in New Mexico raged on Monday, with people from both sides of the controversy converging at the Sandoval County Courthouse in Bernalillo to voice their opinions.
More than 300 people packed the building and took over what was supposed to be a County Commission meeting, complete with signs and stickers of all shapes and sizes announcing their stance on the topic that has gained national attention since San Fransisco began issuing same-sex marriage certificates last week.
"This is a historical time that will determine the path our country takes in the future," said Pamela Ward, a lesbian who said she wants to legally marry her partner of four years. "We just want the legal benefits that any other couple enjoys when they get married. It's not anything that any other person doesn't want in life."
Once legally married, a couple has rights to each other's insurance benefits, share the parental rights of children and attain the status of family member.
New Mexico became a haven for gay and lesbian couples looking to enjoy the legal benefits of marriage Friday when County Clerk Victoria Dunlap began issuing same-sex marriage licenses that morning.
That day, 26 gay and lesbian couples' marriage licenses were recorded and at least 40 more were issued.
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The nuptial bliss was short-lived as New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid declared the marriage licenses illegal later that day and denounced Dunlap's decision to give marriage licenses to the couples, many of whom had desired to wed for years.
The debate has drawn in people from all walks of life, including state dignitaries like Gov. Bill Richardson whose outspoken disapproval of same-sex marriage has only stoked the controversy.
Elizabeth Goddfried, a lesbian, said she knew the Sandoval County Commission held little power to change state law but knows it has influence over New Mexico lawmakers who could eventually make same-sex marriage legal. She said the point of Monday's event was to give the people of New Mexico a chance to have their voices heard.
"Victoria Dunlap is our Rosa Parks," Goddfried said to the commission. "All we're asking for is a society that is open and equal for everyone. State laws might not recognize us, but we deserve your respect and the chance to be happy."
Madrid said New Mexico laws do not dictate whether same-sex marriages are legal, and it is something state lawmakers will have to decide.
Not all New Mexicans are happy with the events that have unfolded since Friday, and many people who attended Monday's event did so to voice their disapproval.
Andy O'Neal, an Albuquerque resident, said there has been much effort put into changing what the term marriage means since Friday, and it's time for that to stop.
"We opened a very dangerous door on Friday by allowing these same-sex marriage licenses," he said. He called on the County Commission to force Gov. Richardson to call a special session of the Legislature to ensure that state law will continue to outlaw gay and lesbian couples from wedding. "It's time that we close that door. Marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman. That shouldn't change."
