PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Hundreds of Rhode Islanders have rallied for gay marriage at the Statehouse despite legislative leaders saying they'll consider legislation creating civil unions instead.
Tuesday's event came as House lawmakers introduced the civil union bill, which they say will grant gay couples all the same state rights as marriage.
Hopes by gay marriage advocates that Rhode Island lawmakers would soon pass a gay marriage law were dashed last week when House Speaker Gordon Fox conceded the votes weren't there to pass it. Fox, who is gay, said he would instead support civil union legislation.
Those at Tuesday's rally say they'll work to defeat lawmakers opposed to gay marriage in next year's elections. They said they won't give up until Rhode Island joins the five other states that recognize gay marriage.
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