Same-sex Marriage Bill to be Considered by Senate Committee

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Critics say a bill calling for a statewide referendum on same-sex marriage would expand discrimination in Rhode Island.

The pro-same-sex marriage group Rhode Islanders United for Marriage says the referendum bill includes overly broad exemptions for clergy and small businesses.

Ray Sullivan is the campaign director for Rhode Islanders United for Marriage.
“Small businesses could object to providing public accommodations based on a person’s sexuality identity, relationship status.”

Some opponents of same-sex marriage, including Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin, support a referendum, calling it a compromise.  

The bill will be discussed during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday.

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