As we expected a group of New Mexico Republican legislators are answering to the granting of same-sex marriage licenses in the state. They are asking a state district court in southern New Mexico to stop the Dona Ana county clerk from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that a lawyer for the GOP legislators said the lawsuit was filed in Las Cruces, where Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins last week began issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
In the mean time the Los Alamos County Clerk has been ordered by a judge to start granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples or appear in court next week to explain why that should not take place.
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover says that that ruling is under review by the County.
Here is a further report from Carol of the Los Alamos Daily Post:
Statement from Los Alamos County Clerk
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover
COUNTY News:
The following statement was issued to the media today from Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover:
“Late this morning, Los Alamos County received a complete package of documentation regarding a recent lawsuit filed against Los Alamos County and related order from First Judicial District Court Judge Sheri Raphaelson for the Clerk’s office to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
“Judge Rafaelson’s order stated that I should begin issuing the licenses or appear before her in court on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. to explain why the licenses are not being issued. I consider this to be a matter of great importance, not only to Los Alamos County, but to all County Clerks in New Mexico, as I have already indicated by my support in joining all of the other Clerks in the New Mexico Association of Counties’ request for the State Supreme Court to provide procedural guidance on how we should proceed.
“It requires my careful thought and consideration for everyone involved. I have not had adequate time yet to review the documentation we just received with our County Attorney, and thus I am not ready to make a statement to media about whether or not I will comply with Judge Rafaelson’s request at this time. I do plan to review the lawsuit and court order on Tuesday, confer with the Attorney and then make my decision. I will issue a statement to media on Tuesday regarding my decision no later than 4 p.m.
“Thank you for your understanding and patience as I evaluate my options and weigh my decision carefully over the next few days.”
