Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins did not decide the same-sex
marriage question in New Mexico. That will be up to the courts,
given the lack of action thus far in the Legislature.  But, by
being the first county clerk in the state to issue marriage
licenses to same-sex couples, Ellins has dramatically changed
the equation. Following his lead, courts have subsequently
ordered clerks in Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties to also issue
same-sex marriage licenses.  Now, instead of the status quo
working to the detriment of same-sex couples, it will work to
their benefit. They no longer have to wait for a final decision
to be made before being allowed to go forward with marriage
plans. However, they do so knowing much is still left to be
settled.  In March, when city officials in Santa Fe announced
that their interpretation of state law was that it allowed for
issuing same-sex marriage licenses, Ellins said the clerks
should not act without legal direction from the Attorney
General's Office. He worked with State Rep