June 26, 2013
Providence--"I wholeheartedly embrace the Supreme Court's decision to strike down DOMA. This is a historic and significant civil rights victory for gays and lesbians in Rhode Island who have recently won the right to marry the person they love here at home.
"It is a wonderful day for their families who deserve full and equal protection under the law, as well as access to the same federal benefits as other married couples.
"I believe this decision also is a sign of our country moving forward, toward a more accepting and tolerant civil society—and that has me feeling extremely optimistic about our future and the future of our children and grandchildren."