This week on New Mexico In Focus, the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning part of the Defense of Marriage Act has pushed the battle for same sex marriage to the states. Two couples who are seeking a ruling on same sex marriage from the New Mexico Supreme Court talk about why it’s important for them to have the freedom to marry. And two legal scholars discuss what the U.S. Supreme Court ruling has changed, what it leaves unresolved and what the case means for couples in New Mexico.<\/p>\n
The Line opinion panel discussed Attorney General Gary King’s argument that the State Supreme Court should invalidate the state’s ban on gay marriage. However, King also said that the high court should deny a request by a couple to order the Santa Fe County clerk to issue them a marriage license.<\/p>\n
The Line also looks at the ongoing controversy over the Human Services Department’s cutting of Medicaid funds to 15 mental health providers in the state in the wake of allegations of fraud and abuse. The attorney general’s office refused this week to release to the public the bulk of the audit that HSD officials say documents the fraud. Several of the nonprofit providers joined lawmakers this week to challenge the plan to shift management of the agencies to Arizona companies brought in by HSD.<\/p>\n
And the panel also takes on a sampling of this week’s headlines “On the Clock”.<\/p>\n
Host: Gene Grant<\/p>\n
Guests:
\nAntoinette Sedillo Lopez, attorney and professor at UNM School of Law
\nSteven Homer, attorney and professor at UNM School of Law
\nRose Griego, plaintiff in same sex marriage lawsuit
\nKim Kiel, plaintiff in same sex marriage lawsuit
\nOna Porter, plaintiff in same sex marriage lawsuit
\nMiriam Rand, plaintiff in same sex marriage lawsuit<\/p>\n
Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland<\/p>\n
Line Panelists:
\nDan Foley, former NM House Republican Whip
\nJohn Wertheim, former NM Democratic Party Chairman<\/p>\n
Line Guests:
\nWhitney Waite, principal, The Waite Company
\nMartha Burk, political psychologist and women’s issues expert<\/p>\n
The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick.\u00a0Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this\u00a0program was provided in part by McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.\u00a0Subscribe to the\u00a0New Mexico in Focus Podcast on iTunes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Episode 705 for air August 2, 2013<\/p>\n