Below is the text of an email, sent out by Equality New Mexico regarding HJR 22–a bill sponsored by Rep. David Chavez (R-Los Lunas) that would deny marriage to same sex families, and prevent New Mexico from recognizing same-sex marriages or civil unions performed elsewhere.

Rep. David Chavez had withdrawn the bill, but at the 11th hour with less than four days left in the legislative session, has suddenly re-introduced the measure which will be heard tomorrow (Feb 14th) at 8:30 am in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.

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Dear supportner,

Rep. David Chavez (R-Los Lunas) is at it again.

When he thought no one was watching, Rep. Chavez bowed to political pressure and asked for his anti-family, discriminatory Definition of Marriage bill (HJR 22) to be heard tomorrow in the House Consumer and Public Affairs committee.

Well, Rep. Chavez, New Mexico’s families were watching, and we will be there to oppose this discriminatory piece of legislation.

This move has everything to do with politics, and nothing to do with the issues that matter most to hard working New Mexicans: jobs, the economy, and education.

Join us tomorrow in Santa Fe to oppose HJR 22, and let Rep. Chavez know that in New Mexico we value our families. All of our families.

What: House Consumer and Public Affairs committee hearing on HJR 22

When: Tuesday, February 14th at 8:30 am

Where: The Roundhouse (state capitol), Santa Fe, room 315.

Cant join us in Santa Fe? Follow us on twitter for live coverage of tomorrow’s hearing.

More to come,

Nick

Nick Rimmer, Esq.

Equality New Mexico

ps-Want to express your views on HJR 22 to Rep. Chavez? He can be reached by telephone at 505-986-4451 or by email at david.chavez@nmlegis.gov

Just hours before it was to receive its first hearing, Rep. David Chavez (R-Los Lunas) has withdrawn his anti-family, Definition of Marriage bill (HJR 22)! This is a proud day for New Mexico and for New Mexico’s families!

YOU DID IT!

In just two weeks, lead by Equality New Mexico’s grassroots campaign, New Mexicans generated thousands of phone calls, letters, and petition signatures telling Rep. Chavez that in New Mexico we value our families….ALL of our families. And today, New Mexico saw what the voice of New Mexico families can do.

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee has scheduled a hearing on HJR 22–Rep. David Chavez’s Definition of Marriage bill-for tomorrow, Feb. 9th at 1:30 in Santa Fe at the Roundhouse in room 317.

Equality New Mexico has launched a petition, asking each of the committee members to VOTE NO on this discriminatory piece of legislation. You can sign the petition here. 

HJR 22 would deny the protections of civil marriage to thousands of New Mexico same-sex families, and would also prevent New Mexico from recognizing the marriages and civil unions of same-sex families conducted elsewhere.

This bill is wrong for New Mexico—we are, more than anything, a state that values our families. ALL of our families.

Sign the petition NOW.

In September of 2011, the Obama administration published new rules regarding hospital patient visitation rights in the US.

These new rules took effect last fall, and place the decision of who may visit a hospital patient with the patients themselves. As such, hospitals may no longer restrict visitation to immediate family members, and must offer same-sex families equal visitation rights.

This move by the federal government brings the US closer towards patient-centered healthcare, and respects the fundamental right of every person to be surrounded by those they love during times of medical hardship.

You may download our guide here. 

This guide is brought to you by the Equality New Mexico Foundation’s NM LGBT Legal Resource Initiative.