Gay partners in Rhode Island granted right to make funeral arrangements
(RHODE ISLAND) Yesterday lawmakers and members of the General Assembly in the state of Rhode Island overrode a veto by Governor Don Carcieri and passed into law legislation that allows domestic partners the right to make funeral arrangements for their deceased partners.
Although Rhode Island opposes same-sex marriage, many legislators and activists see this as a vital step towards equality.
In November of 2009, Governor Carcieri vetoed the bill although it was overwhelming approved by the House in a vote of 67-3 and in the Senate by 31-3.
“This bill represents a disturbing trend over the past few years of the incremental erosion of the principles surrounding traditional marriage, which is not the preferred way to approach this issue. If the General Assembly believes it would like to address the issue of domestic partnership, it should place the issue on the ballot and let the people of the State of Rhode Island decide,” said Gov. Carcieri.
Many legislators and community activists who were appalled by Gov. Carcieri’s veto are today praising the decision to override his choice.
[source]
