Poll: 60% in favor of same-sex marriage in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A new poll reveals details about the public perception of the same-sex marriage debate going on in Rhode Island.

Same-sex marriage has been a national and state battle for years, and the latest poll by Brown University shows 60.4% of Rhode Islander’s are in favor of giving the right to marry to gay and lesbian couples.

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Local same-sex marriage advocates say this is an important step in the right direction.

“An overwhelming majority of Rhode Islanders agree that in 2013 it is finally time to extend the unique protections and benefits that only marriage can afford to all loving and committed couples,” said Ray Sullivan of Rhode Islanders United For Marriage.

A leader for the national organization for marriage said he wasn’t surprised by the numbers.

“Its’ a Brown University poll and they’ve always shown these numbers. There’s no big change in these numbers over the last 4 or 5 years,” said Chris Plante of the National Organization for Marriage.

The discussions heated up in recent weeks after the Rhode Island house passed legislation for same-sex marriage. The senate is still considering it in committee.