R.I. rabbis back marriage equality

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Many of the most influential Rhode Island rabbis have come forward in support of marriage equality.

The Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island , which represents most of the state's rabbis, released a statement in favor of a marriage equality bill, saying they "defend the dignity of and respect for every loving couple."

Rabbi Amy Levin of Temple Torat Yisrael, president of the Board of Rabbis, released the statement Wednesday.

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Thursday morning, Rev. Gene Dyszlewski, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and chair of the Rhode Island Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality welcomed the Board of Rabbis to the marriage equality cause.

"We welcome the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island to our broad and growing coalition of leaders and laypeople from a diverse group of faith traditions," said Rev. Dyszlewski.

“The Board is absolutely right – our shared belief that we are created in the image and likeness of God obligates us to fight for access to the unique protection and recognition of civil marriage for all loving, committed couples in Rhode Island. I am grateful for the Board’s support and look forward to working together on this critical issue."