Senate Committee Advances Rhode Island Marriage Equality Bill

"I am pleased that the Committee members have chosen to move Rhode Island forward. Marriage equality legislation has now come farther than ever before in the Rhode Island Senate. Rhode Island currently stands as an island of inequality in our region. At this time of intense economic competition, we cannot afford to lag behind our New England neighbors and New York in this important area. There is still work to be done. Over the next 24 hours, I encourage Rhode Islanders to contact their Senators to urge passage of a bill that chooses tolerance and fairness over division and discrimination. I believe that when the roll is called, marriage equality will become law in Rhode Island."  Governor Lincoln Chafee, April 23, 2013, Statement regarding Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Marriage Equality.