Providence Journal video by Andrew Dickerman
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee and other prominent politicians on Monday morning called for swift passage of legislation allowing gay couples to marry in Rhode Island.
Speaking at the Central Congregational Church on the city's East Side, Chafee repeated his argument that gay marriage is critical to the state's economic fortunes and was in keeping with the state's founding principles.
"I urge the leaders of our Assembly to call the roll. Call the roll for our economy. Call the roll for our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors. Call the roll for the memory of Roger Williams. Call the roll for history."
The call comes the day before state lawmakers are set to hold a hearing on a gay marriage bill introduced in the state House of Representatives by state Rep. Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, and in the state Senate by Sen. Donna Nesselbush, D-Pawtucket.
Chafee was joined by Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, among others.
They are part of a coalition calling itself "Rhode Islanders United for Marriage" that is being coordinated by Marriage Equality R.I. and includes a number of labor unions and gay rights advocacy groups.
Other speakers at Monday's event included Rev. Donald Anderson, executive minister of Rhode Island State Council of Churches; Rev. Gene Dyszlewski, chair of the Rhode Island Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality; and George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.
Providence Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman