January 24, 2013
"Today marks a historic first step toward the legal recognition of same-sex marriages for Rhode Island gay and lesbian couples, whom we know as our neighbors and co-workers, our family members and friends.
"I applaud our House of Representatives for their forward-thinking decision. As an advocate since my days in the Senate, I believe all Rhode Island couples in committed, loving relationships deserve the same rights, protections and benefits that I have enjoyed with my husband of over 30 years. It is, and always has been, an issue of basic fairness and equality."