Marriage Equality Rhode Island

Todd Giroux
of Bristol, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because Those groups that incite the population to deny equality in marriage rights stand behind statistics that speak to a society that an adult in marriage is more prosperous, mentally healthy and able to provide healthy home environments for children speak for solutions yet participate in hate and go to great lengths to ensure the continued turmoil and unrest in gay populations. The success in Marriage Equality to be measured into the future is the same for every population that has endured painful societal stigma and rights suppression.

Trevor & Craig Clark
of Chepachet, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because my husband and I where married in April 2009 in Putnam, CT and would love to have the state of RI recognize our relationship in our own state.

Tracie & Dianne Russell
of Cumberland, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because... We were married in P-Town in 2005 (together for over 20 years). We believe that we should be able to love and marry our life partners whether male or female, we should be equal as we treat everyone else equal, we should have the same respect. We want the same rights as others whom are married. Although we were married in MA, RI doesn't recognize it and it is just not fair.

Olga C. Glomba
of East Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because even though I'm not lesbian myself, I have too many friends who are in great relationships, and it's ridiculous that because of their gender they can't get married, and therefore are devoid of the right to even the smallest of benefits state-recognized unions receive..! Even though I'm not even out of high school, I can see clearly the problem here is prejudice and people with eyes shut and ears covered...

Matthew Nunes
of Lincoln, Rhode Island

I believe in marriage equality in the same way that I believe in racial equality; nothing about being gay or bisexual or transgendered makes a person innately different, and even if it did, discrimination on those bases is morally and ethically wrong. And to those who decry homosexuality as an "abomination under God" - just as I won't tell you which version of the Bible to read, or which religion or church to belong to, don't tell us how to lead our lives. We're not forcing our homosexuality on you. We're not even forcing you to like it. We do, however, demand your respect as fellow human beings, and we won't stop until we get it.

Kimberly Sawicki
of Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because as a lesbian here in RI my rights are not equal rights. I was born here in the United States of America where in the declaration of human rights article 1, states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." But since I'm not heterosexual my rights are now seperate not equal. Which is not fair, since the government and other political people don't like our ideas of a way of life they can govern over myself and the rest of the LGBT community and turn us into second-class citizens. I'm far from a second class citizen. I work in a field where I'm caring for peoples lives. And I don't judge them on anything, they are people. We all are humans, and we all deserve equality. Rhode Island, as a resident of 24 years here, don't you think its time to step up and realize we aren't living in the 1800's. It's 2009, give us our equality.

Lydia Sharlow
of Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because love is a matter of the heart and soul.

Stacey and Lisa
of warwick, Rhode Island

Michael Taylor
of Warwick, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because every individual should have the right to wed the person they love, without question or interference from any legislative body, private or public organization. I know many same-sex couples who would love the opportunity to marry their partners. Some of these partnerships have been together for as many as 30 years, not only living together but also building families together. It is Rhode Island's duty to grant marriage equality to all and recognize these wonderful same-sex couples as spouses. Rhode Island was the first state to sign the Declaration of Independence, we should not be the last state to legalize same-sex marriage!

Ann Lavigne
of West Warwick, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because I believe that love is a good thing - in all its myriad forms and manifestations. I happen to be a straight female - when I chose to marry no one (other than my grandmother who thought I should have chosen a Polish boy!) gave a thought about my right to do so. If we allow even one person to be denied the same rights, the same opportunities, the same freedom to live their life as they choose without shouting our disapproval, without demanding equality for all, we may as well applaud the efforts of someone like Hitler.