Letter: Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

To the Editor:

Marriage provides necessary protections for couples and families,
including rights related to property, state taxes, health care, family
leave and adoption.
When a state provides legal recognition of same-sex relationships,
it promotes an environment of tolerance and acceptance for all its
residents.
Many of Rhode Island's top employers offer benefits to the partners
of same-sex employees, as do a majority of America's Fortune 500
companies. It is time for Rhode Island to do the same.
Same-sex couples pay the same taxes, follow the same laws and
should have the same access to a civil marriage license.
Respecting the marriages of same-sex couples will strengthen
relationships, foster stability and make families more secure, enabling
them to take care of themselves so the government won't have to.
Making marriage equality a reality is not only the right thing to
do, it's also the smart thing to do.
A clear majority of Rhode Islanders support marriage equality.

Ms. Liz Perry
Hancock St.
Tiverton, RI