RI Gov Candidates Vow to Back Gay Marriage

Three candidates in the Rhode Island governor's race are each expected to publicly sign a pledge stating that they would support and sign a gay marriage bill if elected.

State attorney general Patrick Lynch and general treasurer Frank Caprio, both Democrats, will sign the pledge at an event in March, along with former U.S. senator Lincoln Chafee, who is running as an independent, Marriage Equality Rhode Island told the Associated Press.

According to the report, Republican contender John Robitaille has not responded to the organization's request. Robitaille has said in the past that he opposes gay marriage but supports domestic partnerships.

Current governor Don Carcieri opposes gay marriage, and promised to veto bills legalizing it in the spring of 2009. In November, Carcieri vetoed a bill to allow domestic partners the right to claim the bodies of their deceased partners. His veto was overridden, and Lynch, a Democratic candidate, told reporters that Carcieri was "cruel and heartless" for his veto.

The statewide primary is September 4.