HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 3

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Brian F. Egolf, Jr.

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 20 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO PROVIDE THAT THE ISSUANCE OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE SHALL NOT BE DENIED ON THE BASIS THAT THE SEX OF BOTH APPLICANTS IS THE SAME AND THAT NO CHURCH OR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MARRIAGE CEREMONY OR RECOGNIZE A MARRIAGE FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES THAT CONFLICTS WITH THE CHURCH'S OR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION'S BELIEFS.

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:

     "The issuance of a marriage license shall not be denied on the basis that the sex of both applicants is the same. No church or religious institution shall be required to perform a marriage ceremony or recognize a marriage for religious purposes that conflicts with the church's or religious institution's beliefs."

     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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