Rhode Island, and the Quest for Gay Marriage Throughout New England

by Michael Jones · 2009-10-18 14:56:00 UTC
Topics:

Rhode Island

When it comes to gay marriage and New England, all eyes are on Maine as voters prepare to decide whether the state's same-sex marriage law will be kept on the books, or repealed at the hands of anti-gay church folk. But three states down is the tiniest state in the country, Rhode Island, and if Maine beats back its anti-gay ballot measure, Rhode Island will become the only state in New England that does not recognize marriage equality. And activists are letting it be known that they want that changed.

This weekend, around 150 marriage equality supporters rallied on the steps of the State Capitol to boost public support (and thus, political action) for same-sex marriage. To say they are angry about Rhode Island not joining the marriage equality bandwagon might be an understatement.

"It's embarrassing, frankly, to be part of the only state surrounded by all of these other states that have already made the progressive choice," marriage equality supporter Ken Fish told WPRI. "And to have it happen here in Rhode Island -- how ironic -- the birthplace of religious freedom!"

Part of the problem is that Rhode Island's governor is, by many measures, a complete tool. While unemployment figures balloon in Rhode Island and the state is forced to ponder shutting down for up to two weeks to resolve a budget crisis, Gov. Don Carcieri high-tailed it up to Massachusetts this week for a $50-a-head fundraiser for the anti-gay Massachusetts Family Institute. During his speech, Gov. Carcieri said that gay rights activists piss him off when they try to fight for equality.

"[Same-sex marriage] is not a civil right," Gov. Carcieri said. "I get aggravated when it is portrayed that way."

Funny, I get aggravated when Governors start behaving like televangelists and parade around the country peddling discrimination.

Gov. Carcieri is barred from seeking another term in office after this one ends. Since he's already a member of the National Organization for Marriage, perhaps he'll consider employment there. Beyond that, one can only hope that Gov. Carcieri's successor isn't stuck in the stone ages when it comes to respecting equal rights.

(Photo from taberandrew's photostream on Flickr.)

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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