Gay Marriage in Rhode Island Legalized (The 10th State to Do So)

Gay marriage is not a new issue in the United States since nine states fully support it already. Adding to the rather short list is the state of Rhode Island where Governor Lincoln Chafee recently signed the bill after lawmakers made some final adjustments. According to the Governor, gay supporters and gay people themselves are now free to marry the person they love, with gay marriage in Rhode Island.

Reports indicate that passing the bill was a hard task for the legislators. According to them, it was hard to finalize every aspect of the bill since they had to take into consideration their religious beliefs. The Catholic Church in Rhode Island State did not take this bill lightly and presented very strong opposition throughout the proceedings.

Growing acceptance of same-sex marriage

Even though gay marriage is not fully accepted throughout the United States this recent development only goes to show that certain states like Rhode Island, address the needs not only of the majority but also of the marginalized such as individuals who fight for the right to be with the person they want to be with, regardless of conventional ideas of gender and relationships.

Surveys in the U.S. clearly illustrate that more and more supporters are favoring same-sex marriage despite opposition from conservatives. Even President Barack Obama himself and certain U.S. Democrat Senators have been very vocal about their support for gay marriage.

Marriage viewed in two

The debate continues to rage with regard to gay marriage. Two points have been raised regarding the very controversial issue and both revolve on defining what marriage is all about.

Traditionally, marriage is done in order to conceive children and to procreate in the usual sense. This is the most common argument anti-gay activists use in opposing gay marriage. According to testimonials of anti-gay activists, gay marriage should not be practiced since such action would not result to the original purpose of the activity, which is to bear and raise children.

On the other hand, gay marriage supporters view marriage as a means of nurturing a practical and functional relationship with the person they love. Their argument circles on the fact that procreation is not the only purpose of marriage.

Another state that celebrates gay marriage

The first gay marriage in Colorado was held last Wednesday, May 1, where hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered to celebrate this joyous milestone. Among the very first couple to receive licenses are Fran and Anna Simon. According to the couple, their commitment to each other did not change but a burden has been lifted off of their shoulders. They also added that committed couples also need the protection of the law.

Anti-gay activists won’t give up

Author of “What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense” and anti-gay activist leader Ryan Anderson fights for what he and his movement believe in, that marriage is not for gay people. According to Anderson, marriage exists to unite a man and a woman who would eventually serve as mother and a father to their offspring.