The President called the Senate to order at 9:30 a.m.  After some miscellaneous housekeeping the Senate went into recess while the Judiciary Committee heard from opponents and supporters of HB9.  Opponents, two proudly proclaiming their membership in the Southern Baptist Convention, talked about the santity of marriage (choosing to ignore the very high divorce rate among one man and one woman).  Proponents talked about the need for legal protections for their families.

Discussion.  Only Senator Lidio G. Rainaldi asked questions of the sponsor of the Bill, State Rep. Mimi Stewart.  His questions were related to the wording of the Bill.  His tone was often demeaning, his direction uncertain, his questions obtuse and sometimes incomprehensive.  It was clear that his questions, which he read, were written by someone else on his behalf because when he spoke off the cuff, away from his notes, he made no sense whatsoever.  In fact, he sounded rambling and not too bright.  

It was clear that Governor Richardson who backed this Bill  and when running for President bragged on his prowess negotiating with hostile countries could not budge State Senator Rainaldi to support the Bill.

Once the posturing by Senator Rainaldi was completed the Chair called for a vote.  A six vote opposition to HB9 with four in support tabled the vote and killed it for this session.  The sanctity of marriage in New Mexico continues.