PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Standing on the brink of history, at the signing ceremony for legislation she sponsored that will make Rhode Island the 10th state to allow same-sex marriage, Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush told Governor Chafee: "With the stroke of your pen, you will soon help to undo centuries of discrimination.''
The Pawtucket Democrat singled out House Speaker Gordon D. Fox for thanks, saying: "We would not be here today if you were not our proud, openly gay and determined Speaker of the House.''
She also thanked "all the courageous ones who 'came out' before it was safe to do so and all of those who have 'come out' since. Together we shattered the myths and stopped the stereotyping which marginalized our love ... We changed hearts and minds one at a time ... witness the yes votes of so many of my Senate colleagues!''
"The nation's eyes were upon us, and ladies and gentleman, this State House did not disappoint.''