By Katherine Gregg
The letters urging swift passage of same-sex marriage bills in the House and Senate stated, in part:
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island's General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo has voiced "strong support for marriage equality'' in letters to House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed.
"Marrying my husband Andy 11 years ago was the best decision of my life, and we have two beautiful children together. Every Rhode Islander who wants to be in a loving and committed marriage should have the same rights as we do.
"Rhode Island's history is a story of tolerance. We now have the opportunity to make our state a truly inclusive place. By respecting the rights of all our citizens, Rhode Island becomes stronger."