Roberts praises General Assembly for restoring legislation preserving the basic human right to grieve for the loss of a loved one
PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts issued the following statement today regarding the override by the General Assembly of Governor Carcieri’s veto of S-195B and H-5294, legislation that would allow a domestic partner to make funeral arrangements for the deceased. “I applaud the General Assembly for overturning the Governor’s veto and restoring the compassionate legislation that preserves the basic human right for an individual to grieve for the loss of a loved one. The bill, which passed both House and Senate by a nearly unanimous vote, allowed for a person in a committed, independent relationship to make funeral arrangements for a loved one. “I opposed the veto from the moment it left the Governor’s desk. In November, I wrote the House and Senate leadership, urging their override of the veto. Later that month, I attended and addressed the candlelight vigil at the State House protesting the veto. Today I thank the assembly for reversing the decision to undo this legislation. “Although I have long been a supporter of the right of same sex couples to marry, this legislation is not about the issue of gay marriage. This legislation honors the fundamental right in our society to grieve for the loss of a loved one in a way that matches personal beliefs and honors the deceased. Guaranteeing a grieving Rhode Islander—gay or straight, married or unmarried—the right to bury a loved one, is the right thing to do, and I applaud the assembly’s decision to override the Governor’s veto.”