Current Actions
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Support the Equal Religious Protection Act
Anti-equality organizations and some members of religious hierarchy have claimed the right to not only oppose civil unions, but refuse to acknowledge their existence.
While clergy and faith communities have always, and will always enjoy the right to belief and to advocate whatever their faith leads them. We have created a situation in our state, however, that gives institutions a broad, dangerous, and unprecedented license to discriminate by pretending that a couple’s state-granted legal status simply does not exist. We support common sense exemptions and protections for the clergy. No clergy will ever be asked to perform any ceremony or condone any relationship of which they do not approve. We are fortunate live in a country whose Constitution provides the strongest possible guarantees of religious freedom. But under current law, a Catholic hospital, for example, can deny decision-making power to the spouse of a patient; religiously-affiliated university could deny an employee family medical leave to care for his critically ill spouse. That’s just not right.
Reach out to your legislators and tell them that no one should have a free pass to discriminate.
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Speak Out about the Equal Access to Marriage Act
Loving, committed same-sex couples ought to be able to marry in their home state -- surrounded by their friends and family -- and recognized equally by their elected government.
These couples and their children are today denied the diginity and respect that comes only with marriage.
Some have tried to say that "civil unions are equal enough" but we all know know the truth. Civil unions aren't just a separate institution, they are inherrently lessor and unequal. Everyone knows what marriage is and what it means. It means you're a family. But what does a civil union mean?
Until same-sex couples can marry, Rhode Island has not achieved justice.
Reach out to your state legislators and tell them, only marriage is equal.
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Come out to your legislators
It Doesn't have to be National Coming Out Day to COME OUT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY! Please, take a minute to "come out" to your state legislators about your support for marriage equality. Remind them that ALL Rhode Islanders deserve equal rights, recognition and protection under the law. Your courage to speak out – today and every day of the year – can spark countless conversations about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and help change hearts and minds in the Rhode Island General Assembly. IT DOESN'T MATTER if your LGBTQ or STRAIGHT, it's time to COME OUT!
Enter your zip code below to take action now!
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Tell Jack Reed it's time to support the Respect for Marriage Act
It's time to end DOMA
Watch Pat and Deb's story then sign the petition:
Tell Jack Reed to support The Respect for Marriage ActRhode Islanders Deb Tevyaw and Pat Baker were married in Massachusetts in 2005.
Earlier this year, Pat, a correctional officer, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and given just months to live. Pat spent the last months of her life as an outspoken proponent of marriage equality legislation. She actively lobbied members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation to win their support for the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Jim Langevin and Rep. David Cicilline are all co-sponsors of this important civil rights bill. Sen. Jack Reed is the only member of the Rhode Island delegation who has yet to support the bill. He voted for DOMA in 1996 when he was a member of the House. Today, Marriage Equality Rhode Island, Freedom to Marry, the Courage Campaign, and Ocean State Action sent a letter to Sen. Reed and asked him consider being part of the effort to repeal DOMA.
This video is Pat and Deb in their own words. Pat's portion is taken from testimony she gave at a State House hearing on marriage equality. Deb spoke to MERI shortly after Pat passed away in August.
Pat and Deb are just one family among thousands in Rhode Island who have been adversely and unjustly impacted by DOMA. Sign the petition below and send a powerful message to Sen. Reed. Tell him it's time to end DOMA and pass the Respect for Marriage Act.
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Thank Jim Langevin for supporting the Respect for Marriage Act
Rep. Jim Langevin recently said that he will support The Respect for Marriage Act and add his name to the growing list of co-sponsors who are committed to repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.
Just a few weeks ago, MERI asked supporters to contact members of our Congressional delegation and tell them that it's time to end DOMA. Jim Langevin heard you loud and clear, and now it's time for us to say thanks. He joins Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. David Cicilline as co-sponsors of this important civil rights legislation.
Please take a minute and thank Rep. Langevin for responding to your call to action. This is a significant momentum boost for marriage equality supporters and further proof that your efforts are making a real difference!
- Catholics for Equality
