Rhode Island’s long-simmering gay marriage debate is heading for a pivotal vote in the Statehouse.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday afternoon on whether to forward gay marriage legislation to the full Senate for consideration. If the committee backs the bill, the Senate could vote by week’s end.
The House passed legislation in January that would allow same-sex couples to marry. Supporters and opponents say the true test lies in the Senate.
The committee is also reviewing legislation that would let voters decide whether to allow gay marriage. Rhode Island is the only New England state that doesn’t allow it.
