Obama Endorses Gay Marriage: Will RI Support Equality?
Thursday, May 10, 2012
President Obama’s decision to announce that he supports same-sex marriage was met with praise by Rhode Island Democrats Wednesday, leading at least one prominent official to finally offer his support after months of silence.
Senator Jack Reed took to social media to announce that he supports marriage equality and plans to cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, a decision that many local Democrats had been waiting for since last fall. Reed had been the lone member of the Congressional delegation that was withholding official support for same-sex marriage.
Marriage equality is again being considered by lawmakers on Smith Hill this year. It is unclear whether the issue will make it to the House floor for a vote. Governor Chafee has said he would sign a same-sex marriage bill into law.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTReactions to Obama’s announcement are below:
Senator Jack Reed
“After careful consideration, particularly the compelling Constitutional analysis of the 9th Circuit case, I believe it is appropriate to support same sex marriage. I support marriage equality. It is the right thing to do and we need to move forward. I believe every American citizen deserves the freedom to choose their own life partner and committed couples deserve equal protection under the law. I will cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act.”
Congressman David Cicilline
"President Obama took the historically significant step today of recognizing that same-sex couples in committed relationships are entitled to the same rights as every American. The President’s bold move represents true progress for our country, and I salute his leadership."
Congressman James Langevin
“By announcing his support for marriage equality, President Obama has brought us closer to a time when I believe our nation will look back in disbelief that we once denied our fellow citizens basic civil rights based on their sexual orientation. I am pleased that the President recognizes that we cannot have separate categories of rights for certain groups of people and that establishing equal recognition for same-sex and heterosexual couples does not interfere with our fundamental belief in the separation of church and state, which ensures respect for the beliefs of religious institutions. Full marriage equality is simply the only way to ensure everyone is treated fairly under the law.”
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras
“I applaud President Obama for standing up for marriage equality. He joins a growing chorus of Americans on both sides of the aisle who believe all people should have the opportunity to enjoy the rights and responsibilities of marriage. I am confident that his support will help generate a wave of action across the country to protect and expand this basic civil right to all of our friends and family.”
State Senator Donna M. Nesselbush
“It is most welcome news that the leader of our nation – indeed the leader of the free world – has finally embraced marriage equality. I find it heartwarming and inspiring that President Obama and Senator Reed changed their minds. This bodes well for the evolution of thought and political opinion here in Rhode Island. I am confident and hopeful that a majority of my colleagues in the General Assembly will be equally moved. The change of heart of these two great leaders bespeak the ideal that all people are entitled to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. I am optimistic that our state and our nation will one day be at a place where marriage equality is universal, where love is universally and equally honored and where any loving couple can choose to be married. Indeed, I know that someday children will marvel that this was even once a debate. President Obama’s leadership today helps move us towards the goal of liberty and equality for all.”
Congressional candidate Anthony Gemma
“It is time for America to guarantee civil rights including the right to marry freely and within the law, to all Americans regardless of race, creed, color, or sexual orientation. The Democratic Party continues to stand for civil rights. This is not a question of being a liberal, a progressive, or a conservative. It is instead about the core American values – values that will always be championed by the Democratic Party.”
