RI Senate president mum on gay marriage

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Prospects for gay marriage in Rhode Island remain murky as the Speaker of the House restates his desire to vote on the issue even as the Senate president remains silent.

House Speaker Gordon Fox said Wednesday that should he retain his position after this year's election he plans to schedule a vote early in next year's legislative session. Fox dropped gay marriage legislation last year after it became apparent it wouldn't pass the Senate.

Gay marriage advocates hope the fall elections change the Senate's makeup. Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed declined to say Wednesday if she would allow a vote on gay marriage. The Newport Democrat is an opponent.

Rhode Island now authorizes civil unions for same-sex couples.

Gay marriage is legal in six states including neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts.