MERI Blog
Updates, news, action alerts and events from Marriage Equality Rhode Island.
“Sideways at the Sidebar” Monthly Women’s Gathering
The women’s event, Sideways at the Sidebar, will occur on Friday, May 15, at the Sidebar Grille, 127 Dorrance Street in Providence. Supported generously by the Sidebar Grille, Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) hosts this event which is designed to bring lesbians of all ages together.
Enjoy free appetizers, cash bar, music and social networking from 7:30p – 10p. Admission $5person. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. A full dinner menu is available.
Proceeds benefit Marriage Equality Rhode Island, an organization that demands recognition for same-sex couples in Rhode Island who deserve the legal protections and safeguards gained through civil marriage.
More information, call 401-463-5368, x344, or email Kathy.
Discussion Group with Bell Street Chapel
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Bell Street Chapel will host a two week-discussion group based on the book, “What is Marriage For? the Strange Social History of our Most Intimate Institution” by E.J. Graff. In this book, Graff describes marriage as “a kind of Jerusalem, an archaeological site on which the present is constantly building over the past, letting history’s many layers twist and tilt into today’s walls and floors.“ Indeed, the institution of marriage has changed dramatically over the centuries to reflect evolving understandings of family, money, sex, love and power. Graff traces Western marriage customs and rules of law from their emergence in ancient times to the present.
This program will allow participants to share ideas about evolving notions of marriage. The objectives of this program are:
• To investigate historical beliefs and practices with regard to marriage;
• To explore modern marriage customs and laws, and the belief system inherent in them;
• To examine attitudes toward marriage of same-sex couples against current beliefs about the purpose of marriage; and
• To develop a personal definition of marriage (both what it is and why we do it).
During the discussion sessions, participants will examine laws and customs of bygone eras to better understand underlying beliefs and assumptions. They will also explore current practices to determine the extent to which these practices reflect modern values and assumptions about marriage. Finally, they will consider how a faith community can honor each individual spirit as we “live up to the rigorous demands of love.”
The group will meet for two consecutive Mondays, May 4 and 11, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence. Participants are asked to pre-register and to read THE BOOK prior to the first session. The book can be purchased for $16.00 from Beacon Press or through major online book retailers such as Amazon. Interested individuals can pre-register or obtain more information by contacting Richard Corso through the church office at 273-5678 or by email at .
MERI Town Hall Tuesday Newport
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Join Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) in looking forward to the future of marriage equality in the Ocean State. MERI is hosting Town Hall Tuesday event in Newport to share our plan to achieve marriage equality in Rhode Island. Join us to learn about our plan for 2011, ask questions, offer feedback, and find out how to get involved.
Tuesday, April 28th
6:30-8:30pm
Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street, Newport, in the Program Room
Questions or information contact Kathy Kushnir at
or by phone at 463-5368x344.
Bike Tour for Marriage Equality in Westerly April 28
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Tuesday, April 28, at the Westerly Town Hall, noon to 1p.m.
Rick Harris will be biking through Rhode Island in support of Marriage Equality.
He will speak with people about marriage equality as a civil right and collect signatures on the Traveling Proclamation for Civil Marriage.
Can you join him in Westerly?
For the past three summers, Rick Harris, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers - Rhode Island Chapter (NASW - RI), has been bicycling around New England on behalf of Marriage Equality. He has traveled over 2400 miles, has collected 1445 signatures on a Traveling Proclamation for Civil Marriage, and visited all state houses in New England, as well those in New Jersey and New York. During these travels he has spoken directly to thousands of individuals about the merits of Civil Marriage as a Civil Right.
Harris will ride to several city halls around Rhode Island to solicit signatures and speak to whomever is willing to take a second to talk.
Harris states: “The wonderful thing about America is that basic civil rights are guaranteed. Although it may take a long time, these rights can be won in various ways through court actions, legislatively or by executive order. In Rhode Island, we hope to win marriage equality rights through legislative action. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa have all gained this basic human right, which ensures that couples who love and respect each other can be married regardless of gender. Rhode Island now recognizes those marriages and it’s just a matter of time before same gender couples will be able to marry in Rhode Island also. This basic human right will be won community by community, state by state, region by region, until all American loving couples, regardless of where they live, will be free to marry.”
(Rides will be rain or shine safety permitting.)
MERI Town Hall Tuesday Providence
event details
Join Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) in looking forward to the future of marriage equality in the Ocean State. MERI is hosting a Town Hall Tuesday event in Providence to share our plan to achieve marriage equality in Rhode Island. Join us to learn about our plan for 2011, ask questions, offer feedback, and find out how to get involved.
Tuesday, May 5th
6:30-8:30pm
Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence
Questions or information contact Kathy Kushnir at
or by phone at 463-5368x344.
Comic Duck Bowl Tournament - This Saturday!
event details
Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) and the Renaissance City Softball League (RCSL) will host Cosmic Duck Cup Bowling on Saturday, April 18 from 9:30-midnight at Town Hall Lanes in Johnston, RI.
According to Jonathan Ricci, RCSL Commissioner, “This year the League is making an extra effort to reach out to partners in the GLBT community. We’re delighted to partner with MERI for this first event and invite all friends and allies to support our joint endeavor.”
Cosmic bowling includes music and special galaxy lighting. The bar will be open for beverages and food. Tickets to the event are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and includes 3 games and shoe rental. Teams of up to 5 persons can reserve a lane in advance. Lane sponsorship by businesses or supportive organizations cost $50 and includes banner placement and announcements during the evening. Raffle prizes will be drawn and winners will receive the Cosmic Duck Cup trophy. Singles and spectators welcome.
Purchase tickets online with VISA/Master Card.
Proceeds benefit Marriage Equality Rhode Island, an organization that demands recognition for same-sex couples in Rhode Island who deserve the legal protections and safeguards gained through civil marriage.
The Renaissance City Softball League (RCSL) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and promotion of softball in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) community in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. RCSL games are played at the Agawam Softball Complex & Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence. Opening day is Sunday, May 10th at noon.
For more information, email Kathy Kushnir.
Day of Decision Rally
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Within hours of the California Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which is due no later — and probably earlier — than Wednesday, June 3, marriage equality groups nationwide will gather to either support or decry the Court’s decision.
Marriage Equality Rhode Island has established its “Day of Decision” rally plan. The court will give 24 hours notice before their decision is released, so stay tuned to the MERI website and join the RILGBT and MERI listservs (email Kathy Kushnir at ) in order to receive last-minute rally details.
Plans are in place to gather behind the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence, on the South Main Street side next to Hemingway’s (Supreme and Superior Court building, 250 Benefit Street.) Arrive at 7pm at the day of the announcement and bring a candle.
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event details
Date: May 15, 2009
Location: Sidebar Grill, Providence
Price: $5 per person