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QueerNews版 - VT governor Pushes for Marriage Equality in R.I.
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Posted on Advocate.com March 31, 2011
Shumlin Pushes for Marriage Equality in R.I.
By Julie Bolcer
Vermont governor Peter Shumlin spoke about his state’s journey toward
marriage equality in Rhode Island, where he urged lawmakers to put aside any
fears and vote on the right side of history.
Shumlin visited Thursday afternoon at the invitation of Marriage Equality
Rhode Island, which organized a news conference in Providence with Rhode
Island governor Lincoln Chafee. The Vermont governor also met with leaders
from the legislature, which is considering a marriage equality bill this
session.
“It was an honor for me to meet with the governor and so many legislators
who are working so hard to pass marriage equality,” Shumlin said in a
telephone interview with The Advocate after the meetings. “Rhode Island has
an opportunity to join their neighboring states in what I call the last
civil rights struggle in America, to stand up on the right side of history
for all families who want to declare their love for each other for the rest
of their lives.”
Vermont was the first state to enact marriage equality legislation in 2009,
when Shumlin played a leading role as senate president. He also was
instrumental in the passage of civil unions in 2000, at the time a
groundbreaking step for equality.
However, the Democrat said that public attitudes and conditions have changed
, making marriage equality not only the right thing to do but also the
smarter political choice for Rhode Island lawmakers. A competing civil
unions measure is pending in the state legislature.
“Vermont passed civil unions over a decade ago when most states had no form
of marriage rights,” he said. “It was an incremental step and a half step
. And we knew it at the time. After we passed it, lots of other states
adopted civil unions. This civil rights struggle has moved relatively
quickly in the past decade.”
Shumlin said that unlike the situation in Vermont in 2009, when opinions on
marriage equality were split, recent polls show that a majority of Rhode
Islanders favor marriage equality. He also noted that he won a five-way
gubernatorial primary after leading the marriage equality push in Vermont.
“Vermont’s experience is that this is an issue where the public is ahead
of the politicians and public officials have a lot of fear voting on civil
rights,” he said. “What we have found in Vermont is that the only thing to
fear is fear itself.”
During his visit, Shumlin also met privately with Chafee, an independent who
reiterated his support in a news release from Marriage Equality Rhode
Island.
“As I stated in my inaugural address, I believe marriage equality is not
just an issue of civil rights, but an integral element of economic
development as well,” he said. “I believe that marriage equality will make
the Ocean State a better place to live and do business for all Rhode
Islanders by growing the pool of potential employers and residents who might
make our great state their home. I appreciate Governor Shumlin taking the
time to travel here and share his thoughtful and valuable insights from
Vermont’s decade-long experience with establishing full marriage equality.”
Despite high-profile hearings earlier this year in the Democratic-controlled
senate and house, no votes have been scheduled to advance the marriage
equality bill for further debate. Advocates feel more hopeful of a vote
first in the house led by speaker Gordon Fox, who is gay and cosponsors the
legislation. Senate president Teresa Paiva-Weed is opposed, and she did not
meet with Shumlin Thursday.
“She had other business but I’d be happy to meet with her anytime,” he
said.
Marriage Equality Rhode Island spokesman Bill Fischer described the visit as
a “robust and productive afternoon,” even if no dates for committee votes
have been set.
“We remain optimistic that a vote in the house will be in the near future,
” he said.
The Rhode Island legislative session ends in June.
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