Santa Fe, N.M., Feb 12, 2010 / 05:14 am
The bishops of New Mexico have voiced opposition to a bill in the state legislature that would create domestic partnerships for opposite- and same-sex couples, saying it would undermine the “true nature” of marriage and would serve as a foundation for the implementation of same-sex “marriage.”
Last week the bill passed the Senate Judiciary and Senate Public Affairs Committee. It needed to pass the Senate Finance Committee before heading for a full vote, KFOXTV.com reports.
In a January statement, the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops (NMCCB) said they cannot support the proposal because of “ethical concerns.” They said the language could serve as a “stepping stone” for a state court’s future approval of same-sex marriage.
Citing Jesus’ words about how a man and woman become “one flesh,” they emphasized the unique nature of marriage as a “permanent bond” between man and woman that is “naturally ordered” towards authentic union and new life.