Pre-holiday rumors swirling about a same-sex marriage bill in Rhode Island turned out to be true on Thursday, as a bill was officially introduced into the state legislator.
Democratic Rep. Art Handy introduced his bill in the House Thursday afternoon and already more than 40 members of the 75-member House have signed on as co-sponsors. Moments later, Democratic Sen. Donna Nesselbush introduced her version of the legislation, which has 11 sponsors in the 38-member Senate.
Real Wedding brides Kelsey and Leigh marry in Newport, R.I.
After being elected, Democratic House Speaker, and openly gay co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Gordon Fox vowed to bring the issue of equality to the House floor before the end of the month. “It is time,” Fox, said in a statement. “We can no longer be the only New England state without marriage equality. Rhode Island must be next in enacting this basic civil right to marry the one you love.”
A similar legislation was proposed in 2011, but opposition forced it to be dwindled down to civil unions, a law which is currently in place. Hopefully, with a fierce momentum coming into 2013 and the ever-increasing public opinion of same-sex marriage, couples in Rhode Island will soon have reason to celebrate.
Photo: Real Wedding Kelsey and Leigh, photography by Carla Ten Eyck Photography
