Rally Held for Gay Marriage in R.I.

Some 150 supporters of same-sex marriage rallied at the Rhode Island state house in Providence on Saturday, hoping to move legislators in the only New England state that has not adopted a marriage equality law.

The rally took place two days after Republican governor Don Carcieri (pictured) spoke against gay marriage to an antigay group in Boston. Advocates do not expect the state to enact a marriage equality law this year, but they aim to send a message, according to The Providence Journal.

"It is one of the most volatile issues the legislature has faced," The Providence Journal reported. "In a brief interview on the state house steps, Kathy J. Kushnir, executive director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island, said she does not believe that the general assembly will enact a gay marriage law this year but that she hopes it will at least pass legislation, currently pending, that would give same-sex partners the right to claim the bodies of and make funeral arrangements for their loved ones."

One of the rally's speakers referred to Gov. Donald Carcieri as "Governor Carcinogen," according to The Providence Journal.