Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 12:03:52 -0700 From: Bob Summersgill New Mexicans are pleased to announce that with the close of the 1998 legislative session, the fourth anti-marriage proposal in 3 years has been defeated. As of 12 noon on Thursday, February 19, 1998 Senate Joint Resolution 4 which called for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in New Mexico died a quiet death in the Senate Judiciary Committee which did not hear the bill. The 30-day legislative session saw the introduction of more than 900 bills, memorials and resolutions with only 150 continuing onto the Governor. SRJ-4 recieved almost no press or public concern. Most politicians seemed to consider it dead on introduction. Senator Rod Adair (R-Roswell) intoduced SJR-4, but apparently did not expect it to get far in the Democraticly controlled legislature. His previous two constitutional amendments didn't get floor votes in either house, although in the 60-day 1997 legislative session hearings were held on the resolution which passed into another committee and died there. 1997 also saw a bill banning same-sex marriage, but that wasn't heard in any committee. Gay and Lesbian activists in New Mexico expect more anti-gay and anti-marriage constitution amendments being proposed in 1999 and beyond. Bob Summersgill President, Gay & Lesbian Voters' Alliance Albuquerque, NM, USA