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Rhode Island Legislators Debating Veto Override Regarding Funeral Bill

12/23/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Rhode Island legislators are deciding whether or not to overturn the veto of Governor Don Carcieri. Governor Carcieri vetoed a law which would have made it illegal to allow deny grieving same-sex couples access to their loved one’s remains and to plan their funerals. Carcieri reasoned that it was a backdoor attempt to allow marriage rights inside Rhode Island. The governor joined forces with the National Organization for Marriage in a push to prevent marriage equality from reaching his state in any form whatsoever.

Currently, House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed are deciding whether or not to risk the potential problems of overriding the Governor’s veto. Speaker Fox has yet to meet with Senate President Paiva-Weed about whether or not to hold an override vote on 5 January. Queer Action Rhode Island has already handed legislators a petition signed by 425 people.