Marriage Equality Rhode Island

Annie De Groot
of Providence, Rhode Island

Eliza Griscom Griscom
of Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because

Samuel Haley-Hill
of Providence, Rhode Island

The only reason to deny marriage to same sex couples is if you see them as somehow less deserving than other couples. I don't. Some claim that marriage has been the cornerstone of human society since time immemorial. It isn't. Half of heterosexual marriages end in divorce, and historically, marriage had nothing to do with love but was a tool for securing wealth alliances. Marriage is an evolving, dynamic thing. In our society it is now a recognition of enduring love, and to deny that recognition to certain couples based on sexual preference can be nothing but bigotry.

Samson Hampton
of Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because every person deserves to be with who they love no matter what gender they are. Love knows no gender, marriage shouldn't either. Our country was born with the ideals everyone should be treated equal so why aren't we?

Brian Hull
of Providence, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because everyone should have equal rights.

Kathy Kushnir
of Providence, Rhode Island

Angel Maldonado Lopez
of Providence, Rhode Island

Christine Montross
of Providence, Rhode Island

C. Kelly Smith
of Providence, Rhode Island

I am a long-time activist, Treasurer of Marriage Equality RI Education Fund and a founding member of the organization. I care deeply about marriage equality because what we are seeking is the equal protection that we are all entitled to under our Constitution. A long time ago I took a constitutional law class and it completely changed the way I view civil rights work. I realized that people's values really do shape laws, policy decisions and judicial acts, and that our democracy works best when those who hold the power to enact such things are held accountable for their actions. When I was young, there was incessant anti-LGBT sentiment expressed publicly in every sector of my life; it was simply unimaginable that two women or two men who wished to marry might ever be able to do so, and that reality truly oppressed me. When my first friends began to marry in Canada and later, Massachusetts, I felt that an enormous burden had been lifted. Now I feel sure that we will win federal recognition in my lifetime.

Sara C
of Riverside, Rhode Island

I believe in Marriage Equality because my relationship with my partner is every bit as legitimate as any straight relationship and it deserves the same respect and security. As an American I have the right to my family being legally protected and regarded as such, with all of the conditions and benefits of marraige available to me as I so chose to participate in them. To me, it is not about the allowance of love- love will always exist despite any type of restriction humans attempt to bound it with- it is about having respect for the lives of all individuals and they basic civil rights that accompany that respect.