Marriage_Understanding+the+problem

ISSUE: Marriage Rights for LGBTQQ people in Rhode Island

__How serious is the problem?__ 

 *     How long has it existed? At no point in time has Rhode Island allowed same-sex marriages or civil unions. There is nothing on the books in the Senate or House because although a 2 bills have been introduced, neither has entered the legislations for votes.
 *     What are its effects?  All LGBTQQ people and associates are restricted from many rights. Same-sex couples miss out on over 1,400 rights that are given to oppositte-sex couples. Same-sex couples are then restricted from the privilegde of marriage and the freedom to share their love at that level together.


 * Whom does it affect most? It most affects members of the LGBTQQ community. They are directly affected even when choosing not to participate in a civil union or gay marriage.
 * What will happen if it is not solved? If gay marriage and civil unions continued to be banned in many states, including Rhode Island, it will prepetuate the idea of inequality of certian people.

__What are the causes of the problem?__

 * Is it related to other problems? If so, how? It is related to other problems, such as family medical leave, nursing home visitation, funeral planning, and robs opportunities from many who live a "gay" lifestyle. Those who chose to live this lifestyle are unacknowlegded by many states, business, and somtimes schools.


 * What are people doing about the problem? Protests, rallies, and awarness seminares are just some of the ways that LGBTQQ people are working to accomplish their goal of equal rights. Introducing bills, and going before courts to bring a "personal" face to the problem is helping the problem become more nationally recognized.


 * In this community? N/A


 * In other communities? Some communites in Rhode Island, such as Providence, currently have organizations designed for outreach, advocacy and personal help. They also participate and create protests, such as the Proposition 8 protest that took place earlier this year.


 * What proposals are there for taking care of the problem? Many proposals are just to allow the right of same-sex couples to marry. Many groups, as well as 2 bills, have been putting pressure on the House Judicary Committee to approve the bills so they can go to the House and Senate for a vote.


 * Who is working on the problem or is interested in it? Representatives Handy, Fox, Ajello, Gemma, and Almeida have all supported the bill relating to domestic relations.


 * What debates are there about the problem – its causes, effects, and proposed solutions? Many religious organizations say that by allowing gay marriage the economy, and all around life of Americans will suffer. They feel as though the culture that we live in will collapse and turn into "a devils world." Religious views are the main reason this issue goes unaddressed even though the US has no domainate religion.