Gov. open to same-sex couples' rights

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Donald Carcieri said Thursday night he was willing to explore expanded rights for same-sex couples, following a meeting with a gay rights group.

Queer Action of Rhode Island met with the governor over his veto of a bill that would have granted funeral planning rights to same-sex partners. Members of the group said they felt they had made progress during the meeting.

"The governor's office has agreed to put resources towards the gay community," said Susan Heroux of Queer Action of Rhode Island. "They are willing to look at our issues, and they are willing to talk to us more."

Carcieri said Thursday night his main objection to the funeral planning bill and similar legislation was the piecemeal approach of addressing single gay rights issued at a time. While he remains opposed to same-sex marriage, Carcieri said he was open to a referendum that would let voters decide on allowing domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.

The funeral planning bill won almost unanimous approval in the General Assembly. The bill's sponsors said they are speaking with lawmakers to schedule an override vote.