We’re Done!

Sorry for not keeping you up to date – the State House library was closed for some reason and I’m not technologically savvy enough to have a laptop with a wireless card. But we’re done, and are hands-down better organized than our opposition. 36 people testified in favor of equality – including 3 Senators – with only 3 (including one Senator) testifying against. We won over at least one member of the committee to support equality, and at least one more to support our small bills. That’s a huge success for our movement – reach around and pat yourselves on the back.

However, this is not a time to be complacent. We can be assured that our opposition, after being shown up so significantly today, will be better organized by next Wednesday’s House Judiciary hearing. We need to increase our support, too. Make sure you block out the time and come to the State House to support equality next Wednesday, the 16th. Even if you don’t want to make prepared remarks, come and say “I’m here to support the right of all Rhode Island couples to marry, regardless of their gender.”

And make sure you reach out to your own Senator and Representative. Emailing them is great – there’s a link in the upper right of this page where you can send them a message automatically – but calling and writing is so much more personal. Tonight proves to us that it’s hearing personal, compelling stories that wins our elected officials over – and that’s one thing that our opposition doesn’t have, because no one can testify to the personal harms they will suffer as a result of equal marriage. We need to be making personal contacts with our legislators in our districts and in the State House, to show them that real Rhode Islanders – their constituents – are hurt by marriage discrimination.

Thanks to everyone who made today a success – especially Becky Brewster, my favorite MERI staffer, who took the brunt of Sen. Blais’ wrath as the last person to testify. You all did an amazing job, and continue to inspire me.