The Rhode Island House Judiciary
Committee will vote Tuesday on proposed legislation seeking to
legalize gay marriage in the state.
The measure is expected to clear its
first hurdle and head to the full House for a vote, possibly as early
as next week.
House Speaker Gordon Fox has previously
said he would like to call a vote on the bill before the end of the
month.
The announcement follows a hearing on
the issue which attracted hundreds to the State House. More than 300
people signed up, but many did not speak.
Outside the hearing, opponents chanted
“Let the people vote” and prayed under the State House dome.
(Related: Hundreds
testify before Rhode Island House panel considering gay marriage
bill.)
Rhode Island is the only New England
state which does not allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Two
years ago, lawmakers approved civil unions for gay couples.
While passage in the House looks bright
and Governor Lincoln Chafee has endorsed the effort, doubts remain in
the Senate, where Democratic leaders remain opposed.