December 24, 2009
Providence gay rights group: overturn gov's veto
David Foucher READ TIME: 1 MIN.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A gay rights group wants Rhode Island lawmakers to overturn the governor's veto of a bill that would allow same-sex couples to plan the funerals of their late partners.
Queer Action Rhode Island will present a petition Wednesday to House Majority Leader Gordon Fox and the chief of staff for Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed. It's signed by more than 400 people.
The petition asks the Democratic-dominated General Assembly to override a veto by Republican Gov. Don Carcieri , who opposed the legislation giving gay couples the same funeral planning rights as heterosexual couples.
Rhode Island does not recognize gay marriage. Carcieri has said he would consider creating a domestic partnership system.
The General Assembly is next scheduled to meet on Jan. 5.
David Foucher is the CEO of the EDGE Media Network and Pride Labs LLC, is a member of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association, and is accredited with the Online Society of Film Critics. David lives with his daughter in Dedham MA.
