R.I. House Committee Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Heads to the full House on Thursday

The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the state.

The 11-0 vote clears the way for a vote on the measure in the full House of Representatives on Thursday.

"After hearing testimony from every day Rhode Islanders – gay and straight, friends, family, and community leaders – the committee resoundingly endorsed extending the unique protections and recognition of marriage to all loving, committed couples," Ray Sullivan, campaign director for Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, a group that supports the bill, said. "This historic, affirmative vote moves us one step closer to finally making the Ocean State a place where all families are valued, respected and treated equally."