New Mexico introduced both a marriage equality bill and a domestic partnership bill in the 2007 legislative session. Although the marriage bill did not move, the domestic partnership bill passed the House and passed two Senate Committees before the 2007 legislative session ended, and was brought up again in 2008 and 2010. While incremental steps such as domestic partnership do provide some protections and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their families, ultimately, marriage is the only status which achieves true fairness and equality. 

Because New Mexico’s laws do not prohibit marriage between same-sex couples, there is no impediment to New Mexico same-sex couples marrying in Massachusetts (or other jurisdictions that provide equality) and having their marriage honored in New Mexico.  While Massachusett’s government directed that licenses could be given to New Mexico couples, the New Mexico state government has not taken action to ensure they will be honored.

Status: No Specific Laws

Groups Actively Working on Marriage

Equality New Mexico: an advocacy organization that uses both community outreach and the political process to promote civil rights, to end discrimination, and to further the general welfare of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in New Mexico

Just New Mexico:  a grass roots organization working to achieve full marriage equality for all lesbian and gay couples in New Mexico