Providence Journal photo / Philip Marcelo
R.I. Sen. Harold Metts of Providence speaks at the rally in the rotunda Tuesday afternoon.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Opponents of gay marriage are rallying in the State House rotunda Tuesday afternoon, as state lawmakers convene the first hearing on this year's bill to allow gay couples to marry in Rhode Island.
With nearly 200 in attendance, church leaders announced a new coalition that is meant to serve as a counterpoint to "Rhode Islanders United for Marriage," which was announced Monday by gay marriage supporters.
The group -- "Faith Alliance to Preserve the Sanctity of Marriage as Established by God" -- includes representatives from the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the National Organization for Marriage and a number of Hispanic and Latino church groups.
Organizers said the alliance's purpose is to "safeguard God's covenant and definition of marriage." It does not seek to judge or condemn gay, lesbian, or transgender individuals.