Marriage Equality A Priority For Ferri

If you have lived in or around Johnston for any period of time, there's a good chance you've bowled at at some point. The business was originally purchased by the Ferri Family in 1984, and is currently owned by Frank Ferri, who is also a state representative from Warwick.

Ferri, who represents District 22 in Warwick, was first elected in 2007. He is currently the Deputy Majority Leader, Vice Chair of the House Small Business Committee, and member of the House Finance Committee.

Most recently, Ferri has led the charge to legalize same-sex marriage — a deeply personal cause, as  he married Anthony Caparco, his partner of 30 years, about five years ago.

Among the legislation sponsored or cosponsored by Ferri was H 5012, which would allow individuals of the same sex to marry. Since the bill was held for further study, a bill allowing civil unions has gained prominence.

"It seems like a compromise. The Senate President stated (the Senate's) members would support a civil union bill," said Ferri. "There are couples who need the rights. To not accept it isn't fair to those who need the rights."

Ferri sees the bill as a step in the right direction, but far from the ultimate goal.

"We need to get them to realize we're not second-class citizens. It's not finished until there's equality," Ferri explained. "I hope it energizes the LBGT community to work harder for equality."

When asked if he felt if some of his colleagues were supportive of marriage equality privately, but were reluctant to cast a public vote, Ferri said he felt this was an issue.

"I agree, and I think that's a reflection of their religion. A lot of people think 'what's the big deal?' With the church being able to use the pulpit to preach to the masses, they're getting to a lot of people," he said.

Ferri also described an effort designed to show support for marriage equality — it resulted in 30,000 cards of support signed by Rhode Islanders, but legislators apparently weren't moved.

"They did nothing with them. They weren't even responding to people," said Ferri. He added that he makes a point to address those who make an effort to contact him, whether they're in agreement or not.

Prior to the interview, the civil unions bill (H 6103), sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Peter Petrarca (D-Johnston, Lincoln, Smithfield), passed the House Judiciary Committee 9-3, and Ferri said he was confident about its chances of passage this year. He also noted the effort made by rank-and-file lawmakers to pass a law giving more rights to same sex couples.

"I don't think leadership would be doing this," Said Ferri.

Update: On May 19, H 6103 passed in the House on a 62-11 vote.