No Supporters Show for 'Domestic Relations' Bill That Would Make Gays 'Somewhat Equal' in RI

[Ian David]

No Supporters Show for 'Domestic Relations' Bill That Would Make Gays 'Somewhat Equal' in Rhode Island

A hearing was held on Tuesday for HB 5904, an alternative to the marriage equality bill which would grant just some of the benefits of marriage.

Forbes reports:

No supporters showed up Tuesday to a House committee hearing on the measure, which would extend benefits and rights associated with insurance, health care decisions, inheritance and property ownership to so-called "reciprocal beneficiaries."

The legal relationships would be restricted to anyone older than 18 who cannot legally marry their partner. That includes same-sex couples and relatives, such as unmarried siblings who want the right to make medical decisions for each other.

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Marriage Equality Rhode Island, a gay advocacy group, did not attend the hearing and is “not supporting the bill” because it stops short of legalizing same-sex marriage, said its spokesman, Bill Fischer.

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