Rhode Island governor signs gay civil union law despite doubts
The governor is correct: Civil unions are not enough, indeed passing something like this probably only delays the inevitable legislation enabling gay marriage in the state. In my opinion Gay activists should take a “Marriage or nothing” stance in blue and purple states, and only seek civil union in fully red states where that’s the only hope of relief.
- Rhode Island’s governor on Saturday signed into law a controversial bill legalizing same sex civil unions, but said it does not go far enough toward legalizing gay marriage.
GovernorLincoln Chafee, an independent who supports gay marriage, nonetheless signed the measure with the promise that it would move Rhode Island closer to the ultimate goal of legalizing gay marriage.
Chafee had urged the General Assembly to consider same-sex marriage this legislative session. But some legislators felt it would be doomed in a state populated by many elderly and Catholic voters, and a civil unions bill was passed instead.Rhode Island is the second state to act on gay unions just before state legislatures adjourned for the summer. New York lawmakers a week ago voted to legalize gay marriage, making it the most populous state to allow gay nuptials.