Tagged: same-sex marriage

Competing same-sex marriage bills -- one backed by supporters, one backed by opponents -- are set to receive a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 3 pm Tuesday afternoon.

Same-sex marriage supporters back the bill introduced by Senator Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket) that would grant marriage rights through the legislature.

Opponents favor a bill introduced by Senator Frank Ciccone that vote make the issue subject to a statewide vote. It also includes broad religious and other exemptions.

With a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on same-sex marriage legislation expected as soon as next week, the group leading the campaign in favor of legalization says it plans to deploy more than 300 people this weekend to knock on doors and make phone calls.

Ray Sullivan, the head of Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, says the stepped-up effort is meant to connect constituents in key Senate districts with their legislators "to carry the message and the banner that it's finally time to pass marriage equality."

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The full Rhode Island Senate is expected to vote on same-sex marriage legislation within the next few weeks. That’s according to the spokesman for Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed.

The first step for the legislation is the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Same-sex marriage supporters want the General Assembly to approve same-sex marriage. Opponents favor a competing bill calling for the issue to be decided through a statewide vote.

The Senate is expected to consider the issue after its spring break next week.