EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline says the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage ruling earlier this week is a victory, but there’s more work to be done.
The Congressman sat down exclusively with Eyewitness News upon his return from Washington, D.C. where he was present for the landmark nationwide ruling.
“The excitement in front of the plaza, in front of the Supreme Court, was extraordinary,” says Cicilline.
His vote was the only one in favor of same-sex marriage in the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee back in 2001, proving how far the nation has come since then.
As the nation’s first openly gay mayor, he praises the high court’s decision, but says what needs to happen next is the passing of his LGBT anti-discrimination federal legislation which he’s currently working to get Republican backing.
“As a country I think we are ready to say, you can’t discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in any context. That’s where the country is and I think it’s time for Congress to catch up to that and make sure there are Federal protections to be sure people aren’t discriminated against because of who they are.”
The Congressman’s anti-discrimination legislation is scheduled to be heard in July, and focuses on protections for LGBTQ citizens on everything from housing to employment.
