The openly gay speaker of the Rhode Island House says the Legislature is not ready to pass a same-sex marriage bill and he now wants to legalize civil unions.
For background, read R.I. Same-sex 'Marriage' by Fiat - Ignore Voters
UPDATE 4/30/11: Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence urging lawmakers to reject civil unions
-- From "R.I. speaker gives up on same-sex marriage" by UPI 4/28/11
In a letter to lawmakers Wednesday, Gordon D. Fox, a Democrat, said he supports same-sex marriage and hopes it eventually will become legal in Rhode Island. He urged protesters at the statehouse demanding same-sex marriage to support his move.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee, an independent, said he was hoping to sign a same-sex marriage bill this year. But he agreed that legalizing civil unions would be a step in the right direction.
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From "RI Civil Union bill to be introduced Tuesday" by The Associated Press 4/28/11
A House spokesman said Thursday that lawmakers are reviewing civil union laws in other states to help them craft the proposal, which could be introduced Tuesday.
Groups that fought for gay marriage say they'll oppose any proposal that falls short of full marriage. Gay marriage opponents also oppose civil unions.
Rep. Frank Ferri, a Warwick Democrat who is gay, tells The Associated Press that he wants to see the bill's details before making up his
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