President Obama announces support for marriage legislation in Rhode Island

By Adam Polaski
Jan 14, 2013 at 03:45 pm

Last week, the Obama administration announced support for a bill in Rhode Island that would extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples across the state.

In response to a question from The Washington Blade about where President Obama stands on the freedom to marry in Rhode Island, White House spokesperson Shin Inouye said:

While the President does not weigh in on every measure being considered by the states, he believes all couples should be treated fairly and equally, with dignity and respect. As he has said, his personal view is that it's wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry, from doing so."

President Obama announced similar support for marriage legislation in his home state of Illinois last month, and he also weighed in on all four marriage ballot initiatives this fall with his full support for the freedom to marry.

Earlier today, advocates gathered in Providence, RI for the launch of Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, a broad-based coalition of activists, people of faith, and community leaders. 

Learn more about Rhode Islanders United for Marriage HERE.