HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 8

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

David C. Chavez

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 20 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO DEFINE MARRIAGE AS THE UNION OF ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN AND TO PROVIDE THAT NEW MEXICO DOES NOT RECOGNIZE MARRIAGES, CIVIL UNIONS OR SIMILAR RELATIONSHIPS ENTERED INTO BY PERSONS OF THE SAME SEX IN ANOTHER STATE OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 20 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

     "Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. A marriage, civil union or similar relationship entered into by persons of the same sex that is recognized by another state or foreign jurisdiction is void and shall not be recognized for any purpose in this state. In the exercise of the state's police power and recognizing the state's strong interest in governing the relationships between married persons, the provisions of this section shall apply retroactively."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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