Same-sex marriage bill proposed

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - One of the most controversial issues in New Mexico could be headed for a public vote.
    
Democratic representative Brian Egolf of Santa Fe is proposing a constitutional amendment to officially recognize same sex marriages.
      
Attempts in the legislature to recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships have failed.
      
So, he's going in a different direction.

“This is the first, at least to my knowledge, where we've gone very straightforward, very simply, for a statement of marriage equality,” Egolf said.
     
If the legislature approves a constitutional amendment it goes directly to a public vote.
     
Egolff's proposal exempts churches from performing same sex marriages if they conflict with religious beliefs.