Cicilline: R.I. Marriage Equality by 2012

Providence mayor David Cicilline is among the marriage equality advocates who believe that Rhode Island is likely to allow same-sex couples to marry by 2012, reports the Boston Globe .

By Julie Bolcer

Providence mayor David Cicilline is among the marriage equality advocates who believe that Rhode Island is likely to allow same-sex couples to marry by 2012, reports the Boston Globe .

"I think we are changing people's hearts and minds," Cicilline, who is gay, told the newspaper. "I don't think it's unusual for the public to be ahead of elected officials. That often happens on issues of civil rights and nondiscrimination."

Rhode Island is the only state in New England that lacks marriage equality after a series of legislative approvals in Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire this spring followed judicial rulings in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Although recent polls show that public support for marriage equality has grown in Rhode Island, the strong influence of the Catholic Church remains an obstacle to the passage of marriage-equality legislation. A measure in the senate lacks votes and the support of that chamber's president, while a bill in the house is opposed by the Democratic speaker and remains in committee.

Regardless of what happens in the legislature, Governor David L. Carcieri, a Republican, has vowed to veto any marriage equality legislation. His second and final term ends in 2010, when marriage equality advocates such as Cicilline look forward to a successor who would sign the bill.

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Name: Kate
Date posted: 6/15/2009 3:21:00 PM
Hometown: Aberdeen Scotland

Comment:
Doesnt Obama use "Cross" Pens to sign things - last I heard they were made in Rode Island and Providence. Does this company support same sex partners in their workforce?
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Name: Proud and Disgusted
Date posted: 6/15/2009 2:11:00 PM
Hometown: Providence, RI

Comment:
There is plenty in RI, Mark M! As a Rhode Islander, I am insulted by your comment. We have beutiful historic landmarks, culture, beaches and a thriving artistic community. That being said. The catholic church is the biggest hurdle in the state. The start of this legislative session found all of our elected senators and reps at a catholic mass- ALL of them. I was recently at the state house to witness a vote in the House and was curious to find out why the biship was on the floor- walking around and shaking hands with the reps. And then when the session started... he led them in prayer before they said the pledge of alligence and then started the voting. There is so much wrong with that picture I dont even know where to begin.
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Name: mark M
Date posted: 6/15/2009 1:06:00 PM
Hometown: Oakland

Comment:
@Shawn, that's right. You need us, baby. If you like to eat fresh produce, if you like to look at films, you need us. That being said, I totally would agree that if I didn't live here, this would not be a vacation destination.
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Name: shawn
Date posted: 6/15/2009 12:42:00 PM
Hometown: shawn's peak

Comment:
Boycott Rhode island?!? How's about we boycott CALIFORNIA!!! Didn't they just write Prop H8 into their constitution?? Oh wait, California's to big of a state to boycott right?
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Name: one who left on principle
Date posted: 6/15/2009 10:50:00 AM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
When will the Catholic church stop poking its dogmatic nose into everybody else's business! I know the church's beliefs are sincere and respect their right to teach anything they want to their own flock. But why do they try to influence laws that apply to everybody???? We don't have the same beliefs! It is just so incredibly arrogant for the church leadership to try and force everybody, including noncatholics, to abide by Catholic dogma. This causes unnecessary conflict. Only by mutual respect for eachother's beliefs and lifestyles can we all live in harmony.
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Name: Mark M
Date posted: 6/15/2009 9:57:00 AM
Hometown: Oakland

Comment:
Well, until they do- I will boycott RI. Oh wait.. they don't have anything to boycott. lol. An empty downtown, a few good schools and some costume jewelry factories. Well, damnit.. I won't buy any cheap jewelry or go to Brown until then.

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