New Mexico bishops react to issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples

August 30, 2013

New Mexico’s bishops have responded to a decision by some county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

New Mexico marriage law neither explicitly prohibits nor explicitly permits same-sex marriage.

“This is a significant matter that affects society at large and as such is one that is best decided through the legislative branch of government, and, in absence of its action, by the judicial branch,” they said in a statement, as reported on a New Mexico public radio website.

The bishops added:

We, the Catholic bishops of New Mexico, reiterate our previous statement on same-sex marriage: “[the] tradition of marriage between one man and one woman comes to us not only from the Judeo-Christian tradition, but it has been witnessed in cultures throughout the world for many millennia.” We believe this institution of marriage to be “unique and irreplaceable,” for “only does the sexual union of a man and woman bring forth children.”

 

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Further information:

• New Mexico Catholic Bishops Restate Opposition To Marriage Equality (KRWG-TV/FM)
• Same-sex marriage in New Mexico (Wikipedia)