Rhode Island activists to hold marriage rally at State House
In spite of continued opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and Gov. Don Carcieri, LGBT activists in the Ocean State remain determined to gain marriage for same-sex couples.
Another bill that would legalize nuptials for gays and lesbians is due to be introduced in the General Assembly during the next few months. And the measure’s supporters continue to lobby legislators to gain further support.
Marriage Equality Rhode Island will hold a rally at the State House in Providence on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to support the bill.
"We’ve got a lot of supporters and we want to get as many people signed onto the bill as we can," Kathy Kushnir, executive director of MERI, said.
For the past 13 years, a marriage bill has never made it out of either the House or Senate Judiciary Committees for a vote. This lack of movement has caused much frustration among LGBT activists and their supporters.
House Speaker William Murphy (D-West Warwick,) opposes marriage for same-sex couples and has faced allegations of not allowing the bill to come to a vote. House Majority Leader Gordon Fox (D-Providence,) who is openly gay, however, is poised to succeed Murphy. Murphy has already announced his intentions to leave his position at the end of this year, although he may leave earlier. Fox’s departure would give marriage advocates a needed boost.
Kushnir conceded she does not know if this year will be any different than past years, but she would prefer that action on the legislation be taken sooner rather than later.
"We’re always advocating for this to pass right now," Kushnir said, adding support marriage was increasing to the point where there may be enough votes to secure passage.
Carcieri has pledged to veto the bill, even if the General Assembly endorses it.
The governor will leave office next year. And a number of pro-gay candidates are vying for to succeed him. Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee has launched his candidacy, and Attorney General Patrick Lynch and General Treasurer Frank Caprio have announced their intentions to run as well. Chafee and Lynch support marriage for same-sex couples, while Caprio vowed not to veto the bill if it crossed his desk.
Despite the rejection of marriage bills in New York and New Jersey, Kushnir believes Rhode Island legislators will vote differently.
"Of course it’s always disappointing to see that a state doesn’t support equal rights for all of its citizens," she added. "We do not believe that will be the case here. We believe that when the issue is brought before the General Assembly they will do the right thing and they will put equal rights in place for all Rhode Islanders."
