Gay marriage on fast-track in RI House
Providence, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island House could be holding hearings on gay marriage legislation within weeks and voting on the matter by the end of the month.
A spokesman for House Speaker Gordon Fox tells The Associated Press that a bill to allow same-sex couples to marry in Rhode Island is expected to be filed Wednesday or Thursday.
Hearings in the House Judiciary Committee could begin quickly after Fox appoints lawmakers to the committee. He's called for the House to vote on the measure by the end of the month.
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed says she expects the Senate Judiciary Committee to take up the legislation if it passes the House. Paiva Weed is an opponent of gay marriage.
Lawmakers began their 2013 session on Tuesday.
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