NEW: Same-Sex Marriage Approved by House Judiciary Committee

NEW: Same-Sex Marriage Approved by House Judiciary Committee

The legalization of Same-sex marriage in Rhode Island has passed its first hurdle.

With 11 ‘yes’ votes and two absentees, the House Judiciary Committee easily approved sending a bill by Representative Arthur Handy to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island to the floor of the House of Representatives for a full vote.

The move was an expected but historic one as the topic has never been brought to the floor of the House before.

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The bill is expected to pass the House but faces a key test with the Senate Judiciary Committee. It may be voted on as early as Thursday.

Voting ‘yes’ on the bill in the committee were Representatives Edith Ajello, John DeSimone, Peter Martin, Joseph Almeida, Christopher Blazejewski, Doreen Costa, Robert Craven, Donald Lally, Michael Marcello, Patrick O`Neill, and Joseph Shekarchi.

Abstaining from the vote were Representatives Donna Walsh and Charlene Lima.