Rhode Island Governor: Even Dead Gays Have No Rights

In Rhode Island, even dead gays have no rights. Gov. Donald Carcieri vetoed a bill that would have allowed gay and lesbian domestic partners the right to make funeral arrangements. The anti-gay Republican governor:

"This bill represents a disturbing trend over the past few years of the incremental erosion of the principles surrounding traditional marriage, which is not the preferred way to approach this issue. If the General Assembly believes it would like to address the issue of domestic partnerships, it should place the issue on the ballot and let the people of the state of Rhode Island decide.''

The proposed legislation offered specific definitions of "domestic partner", i.e. in an "exclusive, intimate and committed relationship" with the deceased, had lived with him or her for at least a year prior to the death; financially "interdependent", etc.. Carcieri claims the one year minimum relationship was insufficient  "to establish a serious bond between two individuals" relating to burial wishes. Meanwhile, straight couples who have know each other overnight instantly gain that right with a $40 marriage license.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature is expected to override Carcieri's objections.

H/T: JoeMyGod and Towleroad

Comments

[Ravenback]

Sad. Even gay LGBT folks can't escape persecution in death.

[CC]

I hope they override his decision -what a dip-sh-t!

[kayman]

It looks like the generation of homophobes are going to hold on to power and their propaganda machine politics for another decade. This proof that it will be another decade or so before there will be true progress aside from the here and there victories via legislation or court cases.

[Not Bitter & Jaded]

It is time this country was forced to realize the majority cannot decide the rights of the minority at the polls.

Eliminate DOMA and reverse all of these states bans on gay marriage as unconstitutional.

[paul]

what hurt the most half of these guys are closeted gays.