Bishop’s Statement on Governor’s Threat to Veto Same-Sex Marriage Referendum

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)-The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today offered the following statement in response to Governor Lincoln Chafee’s threat to veto legislation that would allow the people of Rhode Island to have their voice heard in the debate regarding same-sex marriage.

“Governor Chafee’s threat to veto a proposed referendum on same-sex marriage in Rhode Island is arbitrary and undemocratic.  One must ask, respectfully, what the Governor is afraid of?

An issue of this magnitude, historic in scope and with enormous cultural and societal consequences, should be determined by the citizens of the state.  This is the same path followed by several other states throughout the country.  A scheduled referendum would also allow time to receive the direction of the United States Supreme Court which will consider the matter within the next few months.

The discussion of same-sex marriage is extremely important for people on both sides of the issue.  Let us vote.”