Civil Unions (H 6103)

In one of the worst examples of legislative “compromise” on a hot-button issue, Rhode Island now has a civil union law that neither proponents nor opponents of marriage equality wanted. Noting that Rhode Island is surrounded in New England by states that have full marriage equality, the ACLU actively opposed the civil union legislation. It passed after House Speaker Gordon Fox abandoned a marriage equality bill, despite the fact that supporters believed there were enough House votes to support full equality. The civil union “compromise” was made even worse when a regressive “religion protection” amendment was added on the House floor. The amendment allows any religiously-affiliated or connected organization, including those receiving government funds, to discriminate against individuals who are partners in civil unions.  The ACLU, Marriage Equality RI and others urged Governor Lincoln Chafee to veto the legislation, which the groups called a step backwards in the fight for equal rights, but he signed the bill into law in June. Read our press release regarding the abandonment of marriage equality legislation.