It is fair to say that we all "know" that some churches in the U.S. have had some back-seat-influence when it comes to legislation involving civil rights and privacy issues.
But, only in New Mexico, will the Governor admit it. Straight from Governor Richardson's mouth.
Richardson acknowledged the ongoing negotiations Tuesday between the Catholic Church and supporters of partnerships, saying that the two sides were "looking at defining exactly the domestic partner responsibilities, exactly what it means."
Yep. You read it right. The Catholic Church is actually involved in working out the details of possible legislation in a possible upcoming special legislative session.
Domestic partnerships could be on the agenda for the Legislature’s special session this fall, Gov. Bill Richardson said Tuesday.
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After sitting on the sidelines for two years, the New Mexico Catholic Church came out against the bill in this year’s legislative session. The reason, its spokesman said, was that domestic partnerships had led to marriage in other states, specifically in Connecticut and California. (California voters in November banned same-sex marriage with a referendum.)
I always give Kudos where Kudos are due. I am glad that Governor Richardson is pushing this.
"The domestic partnerships bill, I want to make it part of my legacy," Richardson said Tuesday after a news conference.
And that is a fine legacy, leaving our state in a better position when it comes to basic civil and human rights.
But, really, why does he need to negotiate with a church? What happened to that silly notion of separation of church and state? I wonder when the IRS will become involved in this. If any church is negotiating with local or state government, on any bill, they should instantly lose their tax exempt status.
I am not Catholic and I am not a Lesbian. I am a citizen. My legislature is supposed to represent me. Not any church. I don't want any church making the rules about anything that involves my life.
I am not just concerned about the Catholic church's involvement. I don't want any religion sitting at the negotiation table when it comes to rights that involve my body, my bedroom or how/when/whether I worship.
If we allow them at the table when we discuss domestic partnerships where will it end?
Will the Baptists want to make New Mexico counties dry?
Will the Mormons want us all to wear special underwear?
Will the Seventh Day Adventists want us all to turn off our TeeVees on Saturdays?
Will the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster make us all eat pasta on Friday nights?
The precedent Governor Richardson is setting could be disastrous for all of us. It might be a nice way for him to leave office, but, once at the table, will the Catholic Church always want to be there?
Where will it end?