Poll Shows Majority in Rhode Island Support Marriage Equality
Today, the Rhode Island Marriage Coalition (RIMC) released the results of a new poll showing that 59 percent of Rhode Island voters support allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in the state. This marks the first time a majority of voters voiced support for marriage equality since advocates began polling on the issue in 2006, and represents a 10 percent increase in support from the last poll conducted in 2008.
“This poll makes clear that there is no reason why we can’t enact a marriage equality law in Rhode Island within the next year,” says Kathy Kushnir, Executive Director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI), one of the RIMC organizations. “Rhode Islanders are ready to allow loving, committed same-sex couples to gain the dignity and respect that marriage brings, along with all of the legal rights and obligations that marriage brings. That is great news.”
“The growth in support has been particularly strong and impressive because of the crucial grassroots work that the Rhode Island Marriage Coalition is doing almost every day,” adds Lee Swislow, GLAD Executive Director. “That is the work of engaging fellow Rhode Islanders in personal conversations about why loving, committed same-sex couples in this state need and deserve the protections and responsibilities of marriage.”
Full RIMC Press Release Poll: Majority Supports Marriage Equality in Rhode Island
Read the poll results: summary and detail
Statement of Lee Swislow, GLAD Executive Director