Domestic Partner Bill Heads to New Mexico Senate

“A proposal giving same-sex couples the same legal protections and benefits as married couples cleared a difficult legislative hurdle and is headed to the Senate for a vote. The measure allows for domestic partnerships for unmarried couples, including gay couples. The bill had stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month. The deadlock was broken Monday when the committee voted 6-5 to send the bill to the Senate without recommendation whether it be approved or rejected. Sen. Bernadette Sanchez, D-Albuquerque, cast the deciding vote. She has been considered a likely opponent of the legislation but said she wanted all senators to be able to debate it.” [AP]