In 1995, Diane and Linda stood in front of their family and friends and committed to take care of each other for life. It was a beautiful day, an opportunity to celebrate their love surrounded by people who care about them, but it came without the security of state recognition.
Nearly 15 years later, Diane and Linda held another ceremony. Their home in Westerly sits right on the border of Rhode Island and Connecticut. So when the Constitution State extended the freedom to marry to all loving couples, Diane and Linda took their vows in Connecticut. After they sealed their commitment with a kiss, they crossed the bridge that forms the border back into Rhode Island and continued to build their lives together -- in a state that ignored the vow they’d just made.
Over their many years together, Diane and Linda have had two ceremonies, but they’ve not been granted any of the protections of marriage. That’s why they testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in March, urging our Senators to do the right thing and vote in favor of the freedom to marry for all loving couples.
“We are Rhode Islanders. We shop locally, support the library, hospital, land trust, food bank, homeless shelter, and other important community programs with donations or by volunteering our time. We spend time with our family and each summer eagerly await visits from our grandchildren. Our family and friends have treated us as a married couple since 1995; the State of CT has done so since 2009; it is time that RI do the same.”
