Lawmakers voted 62-11 after a last-ditch effort failed to turn the initiative into a bill granting full marriage rights.
“We tried passing a bill granting full marriage recognition,” Nancy Applebome, a self-described gay advocate and student at Brown University, told Politically Illustrated. “The bill failed, so we pushed for a bill so gay and lesbian couples can receive most of the rights offered to straight couples.”
The proposal would allow gay and lesbian couples to enter into civil unions granting them all the rights provided to married couples under state law – just not under the name “marriage.”
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed predicts the measure will pass with broad support.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee told reporters he would sign the bill if it was passed the Senate.
If passed and signed by the governor, Rhode Island will become the twelfth state to offer civil unions.
