Rhode Island Gay Marriage

Rhode Island has now become one of the few New England States that has not approved legislation on same-sex marriage.

States such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont all allow gay marriage. Currently other states such as New Jersey, New York, and New Hampshire all are debating bills that would allow same-sex marriage.

Governors Jon Corzine (New Jersey) and David Paterson (New York) have pledged to sign legislation allowing same-sex unions, while Governor Don Carcieri (Rhode Island) has stated that he supports marriage only between a man and a women. He has also stated that he would prefer that the matter be put to a referendum vote in 2010

Currently Rhode Island does not recognize same-sex marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, but the legislature is working on bills that would allow benefits for same-sex couples.

One piece of legislation being considered by the Rhode Island would recognize same-sex marriages from other states thereby allow for divorce. Currently Rhode Island does not recognize same sex marriages from other states or countries.

There is opposition to any recognition of same-sex unions in Rhode Island by a number of prominent individuals who support a group called the National Organization for Marriage. The National Organization for Marriage is a national organization whose mission is to “protect the institution of marriage and the religions that sustain it.” The were one of the key advertisers against same-sex marriage in California’s referendum on same-sex marriage and have run campaigns in a number of state contesting the approval of any same-sex marriage referendum.

The National Organization for Marriage has been running regular radio ads in opposition to any legislation that would recognize same-sex marriages. The organization has gained notoriety form supporters such as Governor Carcieri and Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.

With the support of Governor Don Carcieri against same-sex marriage, it is doubtful Rhode Island lawmakers will pass same-sex marriage legislation soon.