Support for gay marriage in Rhode Island is gaining momentum. The Associated Press reported on Sunday that a new coalition is advocating gay marriage in Rhode Island.
The new coalition, Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, says it has prepared to begin work on Monday. The organization includes representatives from organized labor, state and local officials and longtime supporters of gay marriage as the state hopes to become the last remaining New England state to legalize gay marriage.
On January 11, Rhode Island gay marriage supporters received a huge jolt from President Barack Obama as he weighed in on the marriage equality debate with a show of support.
Presidential spokesman Shin Inoye told the Washington Blade:
“While the president does not weigh in on every measure being considered by the states, he believes all couples should be treated fairly and equally, with dignity and respect. As he has said, his personal views is that it’s wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry, from doing so.”
The response from the White House to the Rhode Island legislation is similar to the response to the legislation in Illinois. Same sex marriage advocates in both Rhode Island and Illinois were inspired by November’s historic victories in the states of Maine, Maryland and Washington state.
The AP also reports that the state House of Representatives has scheduled a hearing Tuesday on the legislation. House Speaker Gordon Fox is hoping for the House to vote on the measure early in this year’s legislation session.
Rhode Islanders United for Marriage hopes to present a strong voice in favor of marriage equality in the state of Rhode Island.
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