Subject:     50 couples wed on the steps of the New Mexico Capitol
Sent:        2/16/97 8:49 PM
Received:    2/16/97 4:40 PM
From:        Bob Summersgill, summers@Rt66.com
Reply-To:    New Mexico Queer Net, nmqn@laplaza.org
To:          Pat Langlois, RevPatL@aol.com

For immeadiate release

Contact Rev. Pat Langlois, 505-268-0599

50 couples wed on the steps of the New Mexico Capitol

The snowed gently fell on the faces of those gathered. They came from as
far away as Los Angeles. They had been together 1 year, 9 years, 12
years--and yes--even 32 years. They came "to stand up for our rights," "to
express our commitment to each other and our home state," "because we are
life partners and we want our partnership recognized" They were dressed in
long flowing wedding gowns, tuxedos, and dressed for the cold. They came to
put a face to the debate.

Rabbis, Wiccan Priestess and Priest, ministers who were Presbyterian,
Friends, Native American, Anglican, Universal Life, and Metropolitan
Community Church had the honor of celebrating and blessing the weddings and
renewal of vows for over 50 same gender couples on the steps of the
Roundhouse, New Mexico's capitol.

They danced under the Huppa, were handfasted, blessed with cedar, touched
by the Spirit. Over 300 allies, including Parents, Family and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays, stood by to witness and support the couples. Only one
protester looked on.

The purpose of this ceremony was to let the legislators and our communities
know that the often vicious debate which is taking place in the halls of
the Capitol over recently introduced anti-same sex (or as one reporter
called it, "The Hetero-only") marriage bills directly impacts real people.
The opposition to same gender marriage runs deep--and hateful--usually from
the very people who say "I follow God's word." If they could have been
filled by the amount of dignity, peace and love that was shared by all on
the steps of the Capitol, maybe this debate would not even be taking place.


The clergy participated because they wanted to be spiritual witnesses for
justice (They were even called "militant, radical priests" by the author of
the House bill--Praise God, they're doing their jobs!) The participants
took part because they were willing to risk much to make a stand for
justice. The vows have been taken, the honeymoons are over, now more than
ever is the time to continue to knock on doors and let legislators know gay
and lesbian couples are a part of their districts. Now, more than ever, is
the time to tell a coworker that you or someone you know is gay and they
have the right to equal protection under the laws of this state. Now, more
than ever, is the time to make an ally and to be an ally. Now, more than
ever, is the time to continue to make a difference.

The snow began to fall heavier, peacefully dusting all. The final lines
were not able to be shared by the celebrants since the "party" had to move
inside. However, to all who were there and renewed or took their vows, know
that "By the power invested in us by a Power greater than any human law, we
pronounce you partners for life."

Let no one tell you any differently!


--
summers@rt66.com (Bob Summersgill) -- nmqn