New Mexico Attorney General King: “Valid Same-Sex Marriages In Other States Would Likely Be Valid In New Mexico”

Although the state does not allow for gay marriage, New Mexico Attorney General Gary King said Wednesday that the state should recognise same sex marriages performed outside the state, KOAT reporting that King said “A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico." The statement was in response to a request by a state senator to the attorney general’s office to offer an opinion of the issue. Jesse Lopez, of Albuquerque Pride, said of King’s announcement, “This is a bold move on his part, and a major step forward for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. This kind of came as a shock and surprise to me, but of course it’s definitely a move in the right direction.” To date, forty states in America have a ban on recognising same sex marriage, according to the attorney general’s office, King saying that New Mexico’s law is vague. Governor Susana Martinez was not available for comment; however a statement sent from her office read in part “Gov. Martinez made it clear during the campaign that she opposes same-sex marriage. It’s important to note that no New Mexico court has ruled on the issue.”