NK's Two Reps Vote on Opposite Sides of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Thursday evening, the Rhode Island House of Representatives made history by passing a bill that would make same-sex marriage legal in Rhode Island. The measure passed 51-19. North Kingstown's two state representatives voted on opposite sides of the issue, with Rep. Doreen Costa (R – North Kingstown, Exeter) against it and Rep. Robert Craven, Sr. (D – North Kingstown) supporting it.

Costa said she voted against the bill because of correspondence from her constituents that heavily opposed the redefinition of marriage and the passage of a law allowing same-sex marriage.

"The mass amount of phone calls in opposition from my district were more than I expected," said Costa. "It was about 3-1 against it."

Despite her vote, Costa said she believes that same-sex couples "should have every single right we have." However, she did not believe that the government should be intervening in the matter and the matter should have gone out to the voters.

"I think the people should have decided this," said Costa. "I don't think 75 representatives in the House had any business in voting on this."

Costa added that she's happy the vote is behind them and that she and other representatives can focus on bill regarding the economy, job creation, etc.

The bill now goes to the State Senate for a vote. A date for vote has yet to be scheduled.

At the time of this posting, Rep. Craven had not returned our request for a statement regarding the vote. Check back later for updates.