TO THE EDITOR:
How fitting the headline, “Marriage is threatened again at State House” in the May 21 edition. Thank you for your coverage of this most important issue that is annually pressed by a small number of Rhode Islanders and those from out of state who wish to drastically change our time-honored definition of marriage.
As a Rhode Islander, I very much value the state’s storied history of independence from the actions of other states. There is a simple explanation relative to Rhode Island’s support of marriage: it is the right thing to do. Regardless of what other states in New England have unfortunately approved, Rhode Island remains an oasis for the institution of marriage.
As the coordinator of the Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office, the three formidable threats to marriage are divorce, cohabitation and gay marriage. When marriage is no longer a sacred, loving relationship between one man and one woman, it will contribute to the eroding of this most important institution. That is the threat.
I am most thankful that Governor Carcieri and a majority of elected leaders in the General Assembly continue to have the courage to support marriage amidst intense lobbying by a few. May their support remain steadfast as Rhode Island continues to provide real leadership through a moral compass for all of New England and the nation.
DEACON STEVE COTE
Coordinator, diocesan Marriage Preparation Office
Providence
