Rhode Island House panel unanimously approves marriage equality bill

• Tweet
• 
• 

• Tweet

Rhode Island is one step closer to becoming the tenth state to legalize same-sex marriages.

The state House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation on Tuesday that would make marriage rights and benefits available to same-sex couples. The bill could be voted on by the full House as soon as Thursday.

“After hearing testimony from everyday Rhode Islanders – gay and straight, friends, family, and community leaders – the committee resoundingly endorsed extending the unique protections and recognition of marriage to all loving, committed couples,” Ray Sullivan, Rhode Islanders United for Marriage campaign director, said in a statement.

“This historic, affirmative vote moves us one step closer to finally making the Ocean State a place where all families are valued, respected and treated equally,” he added.

The bill is expected to pass in the state House, but face opposition in the state Senate.

Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage.