New poll in Rhode Island tracks majority support for the freedom to marry

A new poll out of Rhode Island indicates that a majority of the state's residents favor the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. 

The poll, conducted by WPRI 12, a Rhode Island news station, shows that 56 percent of voters support ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage, while only 36 percent oppose marriage for same-sex couples. The poll also reflects that 72 percent of Democrats, 50.2 percent of Independents, and 63.5 percent of people ages 18-39 either "strongly favor" or "somewhat favor" marriage for same-sex couples. Check out all of the poll results HERE

Rhode Island currently offers civil union for same-sex couples, and in May, Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed an executive order to allow Rhode Island to recognize out-of-state marriages between same-sex couples. Passing the freedom to marry in the state would be the culmination of the state's years of small steps toward full marriage protections for all couples.

In June, the Rhode Island Speaker of the House, Gordon Fox, said that he plans to bring the freedom to marry to a vote in 2013.

This new poll is just the latest evidence that Rhode Island, a state surrounded by freedom to marry states, is past due for a law that no longer discriminates against same-sex couples' marriages. Freedom to Marry looks forward to working closely with Rhode Island marriage advocates and legislators to secure passage of a bill early next year. Combined with a victory at the ballot in Maine on November 6, marriage in Rhode Island will enable all loving and committed couples in New England to share in the freedom to marry.

Learn more about marriage in Rhode Island HERE.