Follow up letter about RI Governor vetoing domestic partner funeral rights

[BR_Parkway]

I wish more politicians would call out these bigots while telling them to keep their religious views out of the government in the same manner instead of making nice with them

November 11, 2009

His Excellency Donald L. Carcieri
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
State House, Room 115
Providence, RI 02903

Re: Veto of S0195 & H5294

Dear Governor Carcieri:

I write on behalf of the thousands of LGBT Rhode Islanders who you continue to persecute by governing
according to your personal and religious beliefs. Your veto of Senate Bill 0195 and House Bill 5294, which
sought to instill a modicum of dignity for all Rhode Islanders at a time of extreme hardship for anyone – the
death of a loved one – can only be described as an act of cruelty. The ability to provide for the final wishes of a
departed partner is a matter of civil rights, and it is unfortunate you have allowed your religious beliefs to once
again cloud your judgment.

I remind you as governor you represent all the people of Rhode Island – not just those who subscribe to the
views of the Catholic Church. Your consistent demonizing of the LGBT community will truly be a blemish on
your tenure as governor. I think it is also time to remind you of a simple concept the Founding Fathers
believed in – the separation of church and state. There have been many in the history of our country and state
with deep religious commitment who understood their beliefs should not interfere with the rights of fellow
citizens. Rhode Islanders would be far better served if you spent your last year in office governing with this
simple, but essential, concept in mind.

To suggest, as you do in your veto message, that a “one year…relationship is not sufficient to establish a
serious, lasting bond” between two persons over “traditional” family members is preposterous. It is not your
role to judge the significance of relationships or commitments between two individuals. Believing you have a
voice in this matter speaks volumes to the level of arrogance you bring to this debate. Certainly, it is beyond
the scope of your authority to call into question the level of love, compassion and dedication between two
people, regardless of the length of time they have been in a relationship with one another.

The suggestion that your veto is in some way tied to the ongoing discussion of marriage equality is especially
disturbing. This bill has no affect whatsoever on the definition of marriage. Instead, it seeks to extend some
measure of relief in an incredibly emotional time. Was the pain and suffering endured by Mark S. Goldberg as
he attempted to secure the release of the remains of his partner of 17 years any less cruel because they were of
the same sex? To suggest all Rhode Islanders should not have the same rights is nothing less than bigotry.

In short, no one elected you to serve as the state’s moral compass. Just as George Wallace stood before the
doors of the University of Alabama, you find yourself on the wrong side of history. Your decision yesterday to
deny some Rhode Islanders the same rights and dignities as their friends and neighbors is shameful and history
will judge you harshly.

Sincerely,

Representative Frank G. Ferri
District 22, Warwick

http://www.brianhull.net/files/Ferri_Veto_response.pdf

[juno jones]

1. K&R! n/t

[barbtries]

2. great letter

nt