Providence - January 6, 2011
Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts today expressed her continued committed support for marriage equality, endorsing the proposed legislation anticipated for introduction later today in the House by Representative Art Handy and expected to be introduced soon in the Senate by Senator Rhoda Perry.
“It is long past the time for our state to acknowledge that all of our families deserve equal protection under the law,” said Lt. Governor Roberts. “I have been a staunch proponent of equal marriage since my earliest days in the state Senate, now over 10 years ago. Today I applaud Representative Handy and Senator Perry for their efforts again this year to pass marriage equality legislation. All Rhode Islanders must be entitled to make a commitment through civil marriage and must share access to the same rights and privileges that my husband and I have known for close to 30 years,” said Roberts.
Roberts expressed optimism for the legislation this year, citing support from Governor Chafee and Speaker of the House Gordon Fox. Roberts also acknowledged she planned to testify again in favor of marriage equality when legislative hearings are scheduled.