New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is drawing criticism from a liberal group for vetoing legislation that would have required the state to expedite the occupational and professional licenses of domestic partners of gay military service members.
The Republican governor signed into law a nearly identical measure but it applies to spouses of military members — not domestic partners in a same-sex relationship.
A spokesman for the governor said Monday that Martinez would have signed the proposal had it included a definition of domestic partner that met guidelines established by the Defense Department. The vetoed proposal contained no definition of a domestic partner.
Liberal advocacy group Progress New Mexico said there's no excuse for the veto when gays and lesbians can openly serve in the military.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.