PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee is on Wednesday expected to hear legislation that would allow gay and lesbian couples to wed in the state.
The committee is scheduled to hear arguments on both sides of the bill Wednesday afternoon and evening, and marriage equality advocates have planned a 4pm rally in the statehouse rotunda.
According to The Boston Globe, “The legislation has been introduced several times over the years, but failed amid opposition from previous Republican Gov. Don Carcieri and former legislative leaders.
This year, advocates are optimistic because it has the support of new independent Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY’-fee) and Democratic House Speaker Gordon Fox, who is gay and is a co-sponsor of the bill. Democratic Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, however, opposes same-sex marriage.”
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