RI same-sex marriage debate continues

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- It's only been two days, but the nation is still buzzing over President Obama's historic comments on same-sex marriage, saying that he believes it should be legal for all Americans.

It's also causing a stir in Rhode Island, with local leaders voicing their opinions on both sides of the issue, including U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Providence Diocese.

A local group believes that RI officials will follow suit with President Obama and Sen. Reed.

"For our perspective, we believe that it's not a question of if, but when. And we're ready to fight this fight and we hope that they call the vote any day now and we're ready to move."

Earlier this week, North Carolina voters elected to put a ban on same-sex marriage into the state's charter , though Sullivan believes it won't affect what happens in Rhode Island.

"There still is a significant sense of momentum throughout the country for marriage equality," added Sullivan. "In the last few months, Maryland, Washington state, New Jersey, and even New Hampshire have sent significant messages supporting equal rights for gay and lesbian couples."

The group believes the majority of Rhode Islanders are in support of gay marriage, so they intend to focus their efforts on the General Assembly.