NM: Study says same-sex couples have increased

Link: Las Cruces Sun-News

Excerpt:

SANTA FE—The number of same-sex couples in New Mexico has increased about 35 percent between 2000 and 2005, a study released last week showed.

Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law found New Mexico in 2005 was home to 6,063 same-sex couples. Of those couples, 27 percent were raising children, the study found.

Chuck Jones and his partner, Richard Parker, who have adopted two sons, have seen evidence of more same-sex couples who have families at his son's school. They were the only same-sex couple at the school five years ago. Now, there are two other couples like them.

"People are beginning to see that gay families are just like any other families," Jones said. "Our biggest concern is getting our kids fed and to bed early enough so they get enough sleep."

The UCLA study, based on Census Bureau data, shows same-sex couples live in all the state's 33 counties. Santa Fe County has the highest percentage, while Bernalillo County has the highest total number.

[...]

Gov. Bill Richardson has pushed for a law that would give same-sex partners many of the same benefits as married couples, but the measure was shelved by the Senate in this year's session. Richardson's office said the governor will try again to get the bill passed in next year's session.

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