Citing the benefits for local business, Discover Newport -- the largest tourism and hospitality board in Newport County representing Aquidneck Island, Jamestown, Bristol, Warren, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Barrington -- is calling on the Rhode Island Senate to pass marriage equality.
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Rhode Island, explained why his organization decided to weigh in on this important legislation:
“We see that there’s a trend across the United States and the world for how destinations are positioning themselves to attract the very lucrative gay and lesbian market. When you look at demographic surveys, gay and lesbian travelers are seeking a place that is full of museums, art, food, and culture … and Newport is very consistent in those offerings,” Smith said. “It’s a weird oxymoron to say that you’re welcome to visit us, but you can’t get married here.”
Smith and Discover Newport join a growing chorus of Rhode Island businesses who are urging the General Assembly to extend marriage to all Ocean State families. Two weeks ago, we joined with over 100 business leaders across the state in launching Rhode Island Business Leaders for Marriage Equality, a coalition dedicated to making the business case for marriage equality.
Over the weekend, Governor Lincoln Chafee echoed the voices of Rhode Island business leaders in an op-ed in Sunday's Providence Journal. Chafee argues that as the only New England state that has not passed marriage equality, Rhode Island's economy can no longer afford to deny marriage to same-sex couples.
We thank business leaders across the Ocean State who are speaking out for marriage equality! Help build on this momentum by contacting your Senator now and asking them to vote in favor of the freedom to marry.
