Domestic Partnership Bill Passes New Mexico House

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January 28th, 2008

"State House Approves Domestic Partnership Bill"

The state House of Representatives in New Mexico approved a new domestic partnership bill that would extend the same benefits to gay and heterosexual couples as currently extended to married couples. The legislation is now awaiting Senate approval.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez expressed optimism that the legislation would be passed. If approved, the bill would make New Mexico the 11 th state to recognize domestic partnerships.

“This is a bill about fairness and justice. This bill would offer basic legal protections to same-sex couples unable to marry as well as opposite-sex couples…that choose not to marry for financial reasons,” said Rep. Mimi Stewart.

Benefits of the Legislation

Under the legislation, domestic partners would:

Be eligible for health insurance through their partner’s plan
Be able to visit a partner in the hospital
Have the right to make end-of-life decisions
Have certain property rights

The proposal would also give domestic partners the same legal responsibilities with regard to child custody and support.

Couples who wanted to become domestic partners would have to register with the county clerk, and those who wanted to dissolve the partnership would have to petition a state District Court.

(Source: Albuquerque Tribune)

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