"Marriage Lite" Unpopular in R.I.

A proposal to establish "reciprocal beneficiaries" arrangements for same-sex couples failed to gain traction Tuesday in a Rhode Island house committee hearing.

The AP reports that the measure to offer gay partners insurance, health care decisions, and property ownership as well as other benefits attracted no supporters at the hearing.

R.I. senate and house committees have held hearings on a bill that would extend full marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples, though a vote has yet to be scheduled.

Read the AP story here.