Gay Rights Group Withdraws Endorsement of Caprio

Gay Rights Group Withdraws Endorsement of Caprio

Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) announced yesterday that it was revoking its endorsement of Frank Caprio for governor, after the Democratic nominee said he would like the question of gay marriage put on the ballot at the ABC 6 debate Wednesday night.

“We are completely opposed to any ballot initiative,” said Patrick Smock, chair of MERI PAC. “History is clear. The question of civil rights for a minority group should never be placed in the hands of the majority, who already enjoy all those rights, privileges and protections.”

“This is the first time we have heard Mr. Caprio take this position and we are shocked,” Smock said.

Caprio also said that he would sign into law a bill on gay marriage. Smock said the two positions were inconsistent—he said a ballot measure and a bill—were two different approaches. “Mr. Caprio can’t have it both ways. The road to equality for all Rhode Islanders is through the legislative process, with the unqualified support of our governor. LGBT Rhode Islanders deserve their governor’s full support.”

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The Caprio campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.