Fox wants gay marriage vote by Jan. 31

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP/WPRI) -- Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox has started the 2013 legislative session with a commitment to hold a vote on gay marriage before the end of the month.

Fox, who is openly gay, dropped same-sex marriage legislation in 2011 in the face of Senate opposition. He said it's time Rhode Island joined the rest of New England in allowing gays to marry. Before his remarks, Fox was joined by his partner, Marcus LaFond, as he took the oath of office as speaker.

"Rhode Island must be next in enacting this basic civil right to marry the one you love," he said.

Rep. Arthur Handy of Cranston is the lead sponsor of the bill. He said Tuesday the legislation would be introduced in the House on Thursday.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed remains a formidable opponent to gay marriage but has said she will allow a vote on the bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee if the legislation passes the House.