RI Senate Judiciary Committee to take up gay marriage on Tuesday

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — The Rhode Island Senate will be taking up gay marriage when lawmakers return next week for the final work of their annual session.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider legislation allowing gay couples to wed. The session is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday. Also up for consideration is a bill that would place the question of allowing gay marriage on next year's ballot.

The House approved a gay marriage bill in January.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed opposes the gay marriage bill, but she has vowed to allow a full and unobstructed debate.

Gay marriage supporters said Friday they are pleased the committee vote has been set. Rhode Islanders United for Marriage issued a statement saying it believes it has a "path to victory" but is taking nothing for granted.

Think your friends should see this? Share it with them!

Follow Us

^{Content enhanced with OpenCalais.}