Just days ago, fair-minded Rhode Islanders gathered for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and listened to 12 hours of testimony on a bill to extend the freedom to marry to all loving, committed couples. Congressman David Cicilline, who represents Rhode Island's 1st District, was unable to testify in person so he sent a letter to members of the Rhode Island Senate, urging passage of marriage equality.
In his letter, Congressman Cicilline made a strong case for granting marriage to all Rhode Island families:
"Marriage is a revered institution in our country. At the heart of marriage is the loving and committed relationship of two consenting adults and marriage forms the basis for strong families and communities. Our entire state will benefit by guaranteeing access to this powerful and stabilizing institution to all Rhode Islanders.
"Since its founding, Rhode Island has respected religious freedom, and the enactment of marriage equality would honor this tradition by continuing to respect the right of religious institutions to define marriage -- and other elements of their religious doctrines -- as they deem appropriate. At the same time, it would give meaning to the important value of equal protection under the law for all the citizens of our state.
"At its core, the issue of same-sex marriage is a matter of extending fundamental equality to all citizens of Rhode Island. It is long past time to ensure that all loving and committed couples, regardless of sexual orientation, have all of the rights, protections, and responsibilities afforded through full and equal marriage under the law."
Congressman Cicilline is one of many Rhode Island lawmakers voicing support for the freedom to marry. Governor Chaffee, General Treasurer Raimondo, and six mayors from across the state have also endorsed marriage for all couples. Polls have shown that a strong majority of Rhode Islanders also want to see marriage equality become the law of the land in the Ocean State.
In the coming weeks, Senate Judiciary committee members will consider all they heard during testimony and decide whether to advance the bill to the Senate floor. We need an outpouring of marriage supporters to contact their Senators and urge a "yes" vote on marriage equality. Join Congressman Cicilline and send a letter to your Senator!
