East Providence City Council supports marriage equality

The City Council unanimously endorsed a resolution Tuesday night in support of bills being considered at the State House to allow gay marriage in Rhode Island. The Council meeting drew about 100 people, 22 of whom spoke, 13 in opposition and 9 in support. Public input lasted 90 minutes and was at times contentious, prompting a security guard to quiet hecklers. The opposition was largely on religious grounds, and the belief the Council should focus on fiscal matters, not social ones.