New Mexico's only Republican on Capitol Hill has slammed the judge whose decision paved the way to making gay marriage legal in the Land of Enchantment.
"The reckless actions of this judge acting on personal opinion and ignoring legislative procedure threatens serious confusion, frustration, and pain for those who are being led to believe that the law has changed," Rep. Steve Pearce said in a
statement to The Hill.
State District Judge Alan Malott declared Monday that New Mexico's constitution forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation and ordered the state's largest county, Bernalillo —which includes Albuquerque — to
recognize same-sex marriages.
Now six of the 33 counties in the state have begun granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the
Albuquerque Journal reports. County clerks throughout the state are now asking for guidance as hundreds of same-sex couples rush to say their vows.
Malott's ruling came after a Santa Fe judge's decision last week ordered the county clerk there to start granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Malott's decision was broader than the temporary Santa Fe order because he directly decreed the legality of same-sex marriage.
Outside of New Mexico, 13 states allow gay marriage, and 35 states limit it, according to The Hill.
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