Legislative Fellowship

Current Policy Initiatives

Looking forward to the future, Equality New Mexico will be working tirelessly to ensure that all queer and trans-New Mexicans are able to experience safety and inclusivity. Our top priorities include expanding healthcare access and focusing on gender-affirming, reproductive, and sexual health services. We're fighting for better access to PrEP and HIV prevention tools, ensuring a safer environment for LGBTQ+ youth in schools and beyond. We will push hard to achieve comprehensive sexuality and consent education for young people and give 16 and 17-year-olds a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered future for all. Join us in making a difference!

Policy Advocacy

We lobby officials and leaders at state and local levels for policy changes that improve the lives of LGBTQ New Mexicans.

Equality Scorecards

We hold accountable those who seek elected office through scorecards on issues of importance to LGBTQ New Mexicans.

Laws & Regulations

We work to ensure LBGTQ New Mexicans are aware of current state laws, their rights, and how to defend them.

Elections & Endorsements

We participate in elections through Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) activities, issue advocacy, and endorsing progressive and fair-minded candidates.

Seeking an elected office and our endorsement? Complete the inquiry form and we will be in touch with you.

Recent Policy Achievements

2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Removing Name Change Publication Requirements - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Modernizing The Human Rights Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • New Mexico Voting Rights Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Reproductive And Gender Affirming Healthcare Freedom Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Patient-Provider Protection Act - PASSED & SIGNED

2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Abortion Ban Repeal - PASSED & SIGNED

  • New Mexico Civil Rights Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Healthy Workplaces Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Cannabis Legalization - PASSED & SIGNED

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Safe Schools for All Students Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Vital Records Modernization Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Nondiscrimination Modernization Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Gender Neutral Restrooms Act - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Increase in the minimum wage - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Automated and Same-day voter Registration - PASSED & SIGNED

2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Statewide Ban on Conversion Therapy - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Albuquerque Public Schools Trans Student Protections (March 2016)

  • Santa Fe Public Schools Trans Student Protections (March 2016)

  • Las Cruces Public Schools Safe Zones Program (May 2016)

2016 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Religious Refusals - DEFEATED

  • Teen Curfews - DEFEATED

  • Bullying Prevention Appropriation - Passed House Education

  • Adding Police Officers to Hate Crimes Act - DEFEATED

  • Drivers Licences for Undocumented Immigrants (compromise bill) - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Multiple Bills to Restrict Abortion Access - DEFEATED

2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • Safe Schools for All Students Act - Passed Senate Education

  • Carlos Vigil Memorial Act (Bullying Prevention Fund) - PASSED & SIGNED

  • Senate Memorial on Conversion Therapy - PASSED

Nondiscrimination

State Nondiscrimination and Hate Crimes laws were passed in 2003, protecting on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity. However, we know that 'legal' equality does not always translate to 'lived' equality. As such, we work against efforts to undermine existing protections for LGBTQ New Mexicans, educate on fair treatment, and continue to be a resource for addressing discrimination throughout the state.

Marriage Equality

In December 2013, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that same-gender couples in New Mexico have the right to marry. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in support of nationwide marriage equality.

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