NEW: ACLU Director Calls Civil Unions ‘a Complete Failure’
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
In the nine months sense the General Assembly passed legislation allowing civil unions in Rhode Island, just 52 couples have taken advantage of the law, according to data released today by the ACLU.
The news comes on the same day lawmakers are set to consider several marriage equality bills, including legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in the Ocean State.
"These latest statistics demonstate beyond any doubt that the civil union statute is a complete failure," ACLU executive director Steven Brown said. If the General Assembly truly cares about ensuring fairness and equality for Rhode Island's gay and lesbian couples, it will recognize that the time has come for passage of a marriage bill."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTLawmakers will also consider bills that would repeal the controversial "Corvese Amendment," which allows certain organizations to not recognize civil unions based on religious beliefs. Another bill would allow married gay couples to get a divorce in the state.
