NEW: RI Senate GOP Unanimously Supports Gay Marriage Bill
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Rhode Island Senate Republican Caucus announced today its support for a bill that would grant marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, as the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up legislation this afternoon.
It is the first unanimous decision by a legislative caucus of either party in the nation to back marriage equality legislation.
“This is a game changer,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin. “Never before has an entire legislative caucus – much less a Republican caucus – unanimously backed marriage equality legislation. The bipartisan momentum for equality grows with each day that passes, and it’s becoming increasingly clearer that the walls of discrimination are crumbling. Our lawmakers in Washington and across the country should look to Rhode Island today as an example of what true leadership looks like.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRhode Island would become the tenth state where gay and lesbian couples can receive civil marriage licenses. The legislation was passed by the House 51-19 in January.
According to a March Washington Post-ABC News poll, an increasing number of Republicans nationwide support marriage equality, including a majority of Republicans under the age of 50.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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