Catholics for Marriage Equality

"It is my faith that brings me to this campaign for marriage equality. When I look at my son Steven and his partner, I see the same love that my husband and I had for 31 years. Though my husband passed away before he was able to see our son married, I hope - as do all mothers - to one day see his wedding day here in Rhode Island. Giving all loving, committed couples in Rhode Island access to the unique protection and recognition of civil marriage is an act of justice, and justice has a long and important tradition within the Catholic church."

"I was raised a traditional Catholic and faith has been a huge part of our family's life. As a father I want my daughter, Luisa, to be able to get married and experience the same security and loving commitment that my wife Sylvia and I have had these past 53 years. Like any father, I just want to walk my little girl down the aisle in the state I have served my whole life."

"When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he replied that we should 'love the Lord with all our hearts', and that we should 'love our neighbor as ourselves.' As a Catholic, I believe marriage is an expression of the intrinsic dignity of all persons – and my support for marriage equality is a response to Jesus' challenge," said Representative Jay Edwards. "My faith, my marriage of 30 years to my wife, Donna, and the public trust placed in me as an elected official in the state of Rhode Island lead me to the same conclusion – that we should allow same-sex partners to affirm their love through marriage."

"I think that same sex couples should be welcomed to share in God's love and grace in the same way that I do as a Catholic. I'm not comfortable being in a position of passing judgement on others."

"As a practicing Catholic who has attended Catholic schools my whole life - from St. Pius V School, La Salle Academy and, now, Providence College -- I learned that we should love people until it hurts, just as Christ loves us. I have seen my parents, who have been married for 29 years, support each other through thick and thin. I support the same protection for all families."