PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House Judiciary Committee has opened its hearing on this year's version of legislation allowing gay couples to marry in Rhode Island, with Governor Chafee joining prominent state politicians in speaking in favor of the bill.
Chafee and state General Treasurer Gina Raimondo are testifying along with Rep. Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, the bill's sponsor. Rep. Frank Ferri, D-Warwick, who is openly gay and married, is also part of the group.
Chafee was among those who filed written testimony prior to the hearing.
In it, he said he supports it because it would "extend important social recognition and legal protections to all Rhode Island families and children" while preserving "the right of religious institutions to determine who they may marry within their faiths."
"At its core, the Marriage Equality Act is a matter of fairness," Chafee's letter said.