same sex marriage

Both Sides Gear Up for Senate Vote on Same-Sex Marriage

Ian Donnis and Catherine Welch — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:03:09 +0000

The state Senate is set to vote Wednesday on bills to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. Advocates are continuing to press their case before the vote.

Supporters were overjoyed when the Senate Judiciary Committee approved two same-sex marriage bills. The head of Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, Ray Sullivan, says advocates aren’t taking anything for granted.

“Our work is not done, we continue to work the phones, knock doors, make calls, do all the things we’ve been doing the last several months that have led us to this moment,” said Sullivan.

Gay marriage gaining momentum

Scott MacKay — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:26:45 +0000

As the hours dwindle to tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee consideration of same-sex marriage, it appears advocates of gay unions have an advantage, say State House sources. What is still unknown is what will happen when the issue hits the Senate floor, which could come as early as Wednesday, or more likely, Thursday.

What is clear this time around is that the marriage equality campaign has done a better job this time around than two years ago, when the General Assembly approved civil unions in a compromise that pleased neither side.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lydia Rogers — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:00:32 +0000

The state's unemployment is at a 4 year low. A hearing on a same-sex marriage bill brought out hundreds. These stories and more on the RIPR Morning News Podcast.

Plus the guest on this week's Political Roundtable is the CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Mike Stenhouse.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@ripr.org

Competing Same-Sex Marriage Bills Due for a Hearing

Ian Donnis — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:03:02 +0000

The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing Thursday afternoon on two competing bills to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. One key area of debate is the extent of exceptions for clergy and small businesses in recognizing same-sex marriages.

Is being against it the new political fallout on gay marriage

Scott MacKay — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:47:39 +0000

A few years back, when lawmakers in states such as Vermont and Massachusetts approved gay marriage, the political chatter was always focused on whether a vote supporting marriage equality would kill a legislative career due to a backlash against those who approved gay unions.

Those who supported gay marriage in legislatures were rarely ousted from office for their votes.

Bishop Tobin and Gov. Chafee joust again over gay marriage

Scott MacKay — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:01:06 +0000

Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin and Governor Lincoln D. Chafee are at it again over their favorite hot button issue, same-sex marriage. His Excellency issued a statement supporting the move by Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, to put the marriage equality issue to a statewide voter referendum.

Senate to Consider Same-Sex Referendum Proposal

Ian Donnis — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:41:26 +0000

A bill calling for a statewide referendum to decide the fate of same-sex marriage legislation was filed Wednesday in the state Senate. Proposed legislation also offers exemptions for religious officials and small businesses that don’t want to be involved with same-sex weddings.

The bill sponsored by Providence Democrat Frank Ciccone has 10 other sponsors, eight of them Democrats.

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a same-sex marriage bill in January. The Senate has slated a March 21st hearing.

Brown poll shows strong support for Taveras, gay marriage

Scott MacKay — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:11:39 +0000

Brown University's public opinion poll is the latest opinion survey to show strong support for same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, the last New England state without legal sanction for gay marriages. The survey also shows that Providence Mayor Angel Taveras has the highest job approval rating of any major Rhode Island elected official: Here is the full poll:

Senate President Paiva Weed's legacy hinges on gay marriage

Scott MacKay — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:31:07 +0000

Same sex marriage has won overwhelming approval in the Rhode Island House. RIPR political analyst Scott MacKay on what’s next in this historic debate.

If you don’t believe the political landscape in Rhode Island has undergone a seismic shift, you weren’t at McKim, Mead and White’s State House for the historic House vote on same sex marriage. The measure won overwhelmingly on a 51 to 19 tally.

RI House poised to vote on same sex marriage

Catherine Welch — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:43:21 +0000

The Rhode Island House is taking up the same-sex marriage bill at this hour. Rhode Island Public Radio’s Catherine Welch is there and filed this report.