Cicilline Becomes 4th Openly Gay Member of Congress
Rhode Island’s David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEE’-nee) has become the fourth openly gay member of Congress. Cicilline, the former mayor of Providence, was sworn in Wednesday afternoon, along with the other members of the 112th Congress. He was sworn in by the new House speaker, Republican Rep. John Boehner. Cicilline succeeds fellow Democrat Patrick Kennedy, who retired after eight terms. Cicilline has said before that voters aren’t concerned with his sexual orientation, and called it progress.
Stop Already!!!!
But some in area are planning a counter-action to protect the grieving family from the unwelcome picketers and their slurs. We know this group all to well. Let’s see….It seems to me the hungry vultures of this simple minded church are treading on innocent lambs for press and exposure. Step Back simpleton Freddy Phelps!!!
Rhode Island Lawmaker to Reintroduce Gay Marriage Bill
A lawmaker says he plans to reintroduce legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. Cranston Democrat Arthur Handy tells The Providence Journal he has lined up 27 co-sponsors and was hoping for more, but would introduce the bill on Thursday. He hopes to spur an early hearing and vote. Efforts to legalize gay marriage in the state have stalled before. Republican former Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEHR’-ee) was opposed. New Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY’-fee), an independent, supports same-sex marriage, as does House Speaker Gordon Fox.
AG Says New Mexico Can Recognize Other Same-Sex Marriages
The marriage of gay couples from other states and countries where it is allowed can be legally recognized in New Mexico, the Attorney General’s Office said in a legal opinion issued Tuesday. “A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico,” Attorney General Gary King said. The opinion was welcomed by at least one lesbian couple who were married five years ago in Canada. Jennifer Burns, an Albuquerque chiropractor, said in an interview that the opinion is a “public recognition of our private commitment.” But opinions by an attorney general are just that — opinions, which themselves do not have the force of law. The opinion itself notes, “we cannot predict how a New Mexico court would rule on this issue.”