PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence Chamber of Commerce's board chairman and two other business leaders said Monday legalizing same-sex marriage would remove one hurdle that makes it hard for R.I. businesses to compete.
On a conference call arranged by Marriage Equality Rhode Island, the leaders said Rhode Island needs to show itself to be welcoming, especially when neighboring states already have.
"It's not just about taxes, it's about everything," said Jon Duffy, chamber board chairman. "We should not put any hurdles in front of any Rhode Island companies."
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on as many as three same-sex marriage bills -- two nearly identical bills that would legalize same-sex marriage, and another that would put the issue before voters.
The business leaders support the nearly identical bills.