RI gay marriage supporters win in election

DAVID KLEPPER

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's gay marriage advocates are celebrating legislative election wins and vowing to work to pass marriage legislation next year.

Ray Sullivan, campaign director for the group Fight Back RI, says the General Assembly should have at least four or five additional supporters of same-sex marriage following Tuesday's election.

House Speaker Gordon Fox has vowed to hold a vote on gay marriage in the House next year. The Senate is seen as the bigger challenge, however.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed opposes gay marriage but has said it is premature to discuss the issue. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Voters in Maine and Maryland passed gay marriage referendums Tuesday. Rhode Island does not allow same-sex couples to wed but recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.