Here’s the latest from Tony Wagner inNew Mexico:
Last time I left you, we were headed to the Roundhouse for lobby day and a noontime rally.
While the local activists were visiting with their legislators and encouraging them to support domestic partnerships, we found 5 minutes and grabbed a breakfast burrito with some of New Mexico’s famous green chile sauce. After that quick bite, we were pumped and ready for the rally!
The “Free SB12” rally took place at the main entrance of the Roundhouse and close to 100 people attended. We were joined by Reps. Egolf and Stewart who whipped the crowd up into a frenzy and demanded that the Senate take action and send the bill to the House where they promised it would pass and head to the Governor’s desk. The crowd went wild after that one!
Also joining us was Sen. Cisco McSorley who serves as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is the same committee that voted 5-5 on the bill 2 weeks ago and the same committee that will vote on the bill again today. Sen. McSorley has long been a staunch supporter of the LGBT community and told the crowd that this was not a gay issue or a marriage issue, but a human rights issue and that its time for New Mexico to treat all New Mexicans fairly and equally.
After the rally ended we were all encouraged to head inside to the committee room, but upon arrival the room was already packed and several dozen activists were lined up outside. The crowd easily tripled in size when the rally participants arrived.
Now the committee room is closed – both Marybeth and Terry McGuire (HRC’s Western Regional Field Organizer) are inside keeping an eye on the proceedings. For my part, I gave up my seat to a local activist and am outside the room making sure our Backstory faithful are kept informed.
No worries though, they are giving me the play by play and when the vote is taken, you’ll be some of the first to know. The question now is “when will it be taken?”
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