NM Governor Won't Fight for Gay Marriage Ban

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez said at a news conference Monday that she won't push for an amendment that would prevent same-sex couples from marrying in the state during the upcoming legislative session, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.

Though Martinez made it clear last summer that she believes voters should decide on the marriage rights of same-sex couples on a ballot question, the Republican governor is backing down on the controversial issue.

When Martinez was asked if she'd push for a bill that would ban gay marriage in New Mexico, she said,"I think what I said before was that yes, the people should have decided on it, but the Supreme Court has decided." Adding, "And it's now the law of the land."

New Mexico's Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage last month, allowing county clerks across the state to immediately issue licenses to same-sex couples.

When gay marriage was legalized in New Mexico Gov. Martinez released a statement:

"While there will surely be intense debate about this decision moving forward, I encourage New Mexicans to continue to respect one another in their discourse, as this is an important issue for many New Mexicans on both sides," she said in the statement. "As we move forward, I am hopeful that we will not be divided, as we must come together to tackle very pressing issues, like reforming education and growing our economy, in the weeks and months ahead."