NM COUNTY STOPPED FROM ISSUING SSM LICENSES: From 365Gay.com

The Sandoval County clerk attempted to resume issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples Tuesday, but was slapped with a restraining order moments before her office was to open.

As soon as news leaked out that Victoria Dunlap was about to once again start issuing the licenses about 60 people lined up in front of the county office. Sandoval County is just north of Albuquerque. Last month she began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples saying that she said she feared a lawsuit if she refused to grant licenses to gay couples. About 100 couples received licenses, but, acting on orders from Attorney General Patricia Madrid the county sheriff shut down the office Madrid declared the marriages invalid and Dunlap was rebuked by the county commission. But, she has maintained her belief that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.

"It's not going to happen," a disheartened Dunlap told couples waiting for her office to open this morning after State District Judge Kenneth Brown granted a temporary restraining order against her. The order had been sought by Madrid and County Attorney David Mathews. "In Sandoval County, clearly what they're saying is that the gay people do not have equal rights," said Dunlap. Brown will hear their motion for a permanent injunction on April 2. The temporary restraining order will be in effect until then.

Joan Martinez-Maguire, who was waiting in line with her partner of 11 years, Pat Syme, was clearly disappointed. "We knew this was a possibility," Martinez-Maguire said. "It doesn't make it any easier."

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posted by Eve at 5:23 PM | link

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