Monday marriage equality update

New coalition to push for gay marriage in RI 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A new coalition says it's beginning an effort to get gay marriage rights approved in Rhode Island.

Rhode Islanders United for Marriage is set to start its work Monday with remarks from several community leaders who support legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

The organization includes representatives from organized labor, state and local officials and longtime supporters of gay marriage.

The coalition's formation comes as the gay marriage debate heats up in Rhode Island.

The state House of Representatives has scheduled a hearing Tuesday on the legislation. House Speaker Gordon Fox says he wants the House to vote on the measure early in this year's legislative session.

RI Bishop: Chafee should put marriage question to a vote; says veto threat 'undemocratic' 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The leader of Rhode Island's Roman Catholic Diocese says Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) is wrong to threaten to veto legislation that would put gay marriage to a popular vote.

Bishop Thomas Tobin released a statement Friday calling Chafee's veto threat "undemocratic."

Tobin says it should be up to citizens to decide whether Rhode Island allows gay marriage.

The House is expected to vote on gay marriage legislation by month's end. As an alternative, opponents have suggested placing the issue on the ballot as a referendum.

Chafee opposes that idea and wants lawmakers to pass gay marriage themselves.

Chafee's stance was praised by the leader of a religious coalition supporting gay marriage. The Rev. Gene Dyszlewski (dish-LEV'-skee) said Friday that referendums shouldn't be used to settle what he calls a civil rights issue.

Same-sex couples ask for marriage licenses in NC 

WILSON, N.C. (AP) — Same sex couples are heading to two North Carolina courthouses, knowing they will be turned down for marriage licenses.

The couples are part of a campaign called "We Do," meant to protest bans on gay marriage across the Southeast.

Same-sex couples plan to ask for marriage licenses in Wilson County and Forsyth County on Monday. The couples live in the counties where they are requesting the licenses. The group also plans a prayer service.

The group has already visited courthouses in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee so far this year.

Ill. companies sign letter advocating gay marriage 

CHICAGO (AP) — A group of high-profile business leaders say legalizing gay marriage in Illinois will help create a more competitive and thriving business climate.

The group publicly released a letter Sunday that'll be sent to lawmakers this week. It says allowing same sex couples to marry would generate between $39 million and $72 million in revenues for Illinois businesses.

Those who've signed include the heads of Navistar International, Johnson Publishing and Morningstar Inc., along with the heads of restaurants and hotels.

Lawmakers did not take up legalizing gay marriage during the lame-duck session which ended last week before new lawmakers were sworn in. The legislation would offer same-sex couples marriage rights now only available to heterosexual couples.

Several religious groups oppose allowing same-sex marriage in Illinois calling it "dangerous" to religious freedom.

Compiled from AP stories.