RI House speaker says he'll hold gay marriage vote

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Speaker of the Rhode Island House says he will hold a vote next year on legalizing gay marriage if he is elected to the position again.

Gordon Fox told WPRI-TV's "Newsmakers" Friday ( ) he will schedule a vote early in the General Assembly session. He called the legalization of same-sex marriage "unfinished business" and "one of the main reasons" he's running again.

Fierce opposition from some last year prompted the Legislature to abandon a gay marriage bill and approve civil unions instead. Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed was among the opponents.

Marriage Equality Rhode Island says it "appreciates" Fox's commitment to holding a vote and that all eyes have turned to the Senate. The group says it's working with others to elect lawmakers supportive of gay marriage.

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Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com