Gov. joins anti-gay marriage campaign

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A group against gay marriage has a very prominent politician in its corner. Gov. Donald Carcieri and his wife, Sue, joined the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Organization for Marriage Wednesday morning at the State House as it launched its new media campaign.

The campaign, which supports marriage between a man and a woman, will run in several states. It's being launched just as Rhode Island's General Assembly is about to consider legislation t hat would allow same-sex couples married in another state get divorced in Rhode Island.

During the news conference, Carcieri called himself a "traditionalist" and said the best upbringing for a child is in a home with a mother and father.

He said he is not anti-gay, rather he believes the issue should be decided by voters, and not by courts or legislators.

"In Massachusetts it was the court. In Vermont it was the legislature. I believe it should be done with citizens. Let them decide," Carcieri said.

Gay marriage supporters said they are garnering more widespread support, and feel at its core, it's a civil rights issue.

"There is support growing," said Kathy Kushner of Marriage Equality Rhode Island .  "Look at Iowa and Vermont. The tide is beginning to turn."