For

Immediate Release

Equality New Mexico (EQNM) Releases Statement on Derogatory Comments Made by State District Judge Mike Murphy Against Gays and Lesbians: Comments have eroded public confidence in the judicial system 31 October 2011 4:00pm MST Albuquerque, New MexicoJacob Candelaria, President/CEO of Equality New Mexico (EQNM), released a statement this afternoon in response to derogatory comments made by state district judge Mike Murphy against gays and lesbians. EQNM is New Mexicos statewide LGBT policy and advocacy organization, with over 24,000 members across the state. The real tragedy here is that Judge Murphys comments have eroded public confidence in the judicial system, said Candelaria. Judge Murphy has called into question the fundamental belief that all New Mexicans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, actually receive a fair hearing untainted by bias or bigotrywhen they appear before a judge, continued Candelaria. Whats worse is that while Judge Murphy has tried to excuse his offensive and unacceptable behavior, he has yet to issue a formal apology to the LGBT families of this state, concluded Candelaria. ### For media inquiries, please contact: Jacob Candelaria jacob@eqnm.org|609-651-3891