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LGBT politics heats up in Rhode Island by Joe Siegel
EDGE New England EditorTuesday Nov 3, 2009 Over the course of the next year, the Ocean State’s LGBT voters will continue to watch several candidates whose fates could have a major impact on marriage and other proposed legislation.
In addition to the governor’s race that includes Attorney General Patrick Lynch and former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, openly gay Providence Mayor David Cicilline could face a challenge from City Councilmember John Lombardi. Meanwhile,there are a number of other high-profile races that continue to attract attention.
One of Rhode Island’s more notable political contests next year will be in the state’s 2nd Congressional district. Former state Rep. Elizabeth "Betsy" Dennigan (D-East Providence) resigned last month to focus on her run for Congress against Congressman Jim Langevin. A special election to fill Dennigan’s vacated seat will take place on Dec. 29.
According to Dennigan’s web site, her key achievements include her sponsorship the Green Buildings Act and advancing legislation to create jobs, to provide medical care to pregnant women and children and to prohibit smoking in public places.
Dennigan has also been a vocal supporter of the bill that would extend marriage to same-sex couples. And she co-sponsored other gay-specific bills through her 13 years in the General Assembly.
Langevin, a Catholic, opposes marriage for gays and lesbians and has so far declined to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, which calls for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. Langevin does, however, support civil unions for same-sex couples. He also voted against a Constitutional amendment that would have banned nuptials for gays and lesbians.
Openly gay House Majority Leader Gordon Fox (D-Providence) has endorsed Dennigan.
"Betsy’s leadership, especially on job growth, education, and health care issues, has helped families and communities across Rhode Island," he said. "Her experience, passion, and proven ability to forge consensus will be great assets in the Congress."
Fox himself is hoping to succeed House Speaker William Murphy (D-West Warwick) after his term ends in early 2011. Fox’s ascension to the position would be the first time in state history that an openly gay man served as House Speaker.
State Reps. Stephen Ucci (D-Johnson) and Gregory Schadone (D-North Providence) are also vying for the position. Murphy has already endorsed Fox, but one issue where the two men differ is on marriage. Fox has said he is in a long-term relationship but not legally married. And although Fox has not pledged to make marriage a top priority if elected House Speaker, he has said he would like to see gays and lesbians tie the knot in Rhode Island.
Some Rhode Island activists have criticized Fox for not doing enough to advance LGBT-specific legislation.
"(Fox) has become part of the problem and not the solution," Ken Fish said at a State House rally last June. "We need courage, not cowardice from our political leaders."
Joe Siegel has written for a number of other GLBT publications, including In newsweekly and Options.
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