There are whispers of a marriage equality bill in Rhode Island. On Monday, state Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, a Democrat whose opposition kept legislation from progressing last year, says that despite her stance, she anticipates a committee vote on same-sex marriage in the upcoming 2013 legislative session.
Real Wedding brides Kelsey and Leigh marry in Newport, R.I.
A bill was introduced last year but was not voted on in the House after it became obvious that it stood no chance at passing in the Senate. Both chambers passed a civil union law instead, which was signed by Gov. Lincoln Chafee. The governor also signed an executive order on May 14 recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages.
House Speaker Gordon Fox, who is openly gay, has vowed to make passing it one of his top priorities. Currently, Rhode Island is the only New England state that does not recognize same-sex marriages performed in its own state. “This election shows there’s been a real change on this issue,” he said. “I’m hopeful. There’s definitely a trend here. There’s a wave, and we should ride it.”
Photo: Real Wedding Kelsey and Leigh, photography by Carla Ten Eyck Photography
Brittny Drye is the senior editor of Equally Wed, the nation’s premier online magazine for gay and lesbian weddings and honeymoons. Follow her on Twitter @BrittnyDrye.
