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Tell Rhode Island Bishop Thomas Tobin: Same-Sex Marriage Is Not Divisive
  1. Signatures
    242 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. Bishop Thomas Tobin
  2. Created By
    Michael Jones
    Boston, MA
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

As Rhode Island debates marriage equality legislation in its General Assembly, the leader of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island, Bishop Thomas Tobin, has lashed out at marraige equality supporters, calling them immoral and detrimental to the state. Moreover, Bishop Tobin suggested that if Rhode Island passed same-sex marriage legislation, it would divide the state in harmful ways.

But those sentiments are just not accurate. An overwhelming majority of voters in Rhode Island support same-sex marriage, and a recent poll of Catholics in Rhode Island shows majority support for same-sex marriage.

Tell Bishop Tobin that there's nothing divisive about the issue of marriage equality. Extending civil rights to same-sex couples is something that all Rhode Island residents should applaud. The only thing divisive and hurtful here is the type of rhetoric and language coming out of Bishop Tobin's office.

Recent Signatures

Same-sex marriage is not divisive, immoral, or detrimental to the state of Rhode Island

Dear Bishop Tobin,

I am deeply disappointed by your recent comments on the subject of same-sex marriage, where you said that supporters of gay marriage are immoral, and that same-sex couples are detrimental to the state of Rhode Island. This is extremely hurtful rhetoric that only serves to divide residents of your state. I expect better from faith leaders, who are supposed to be pastoral, not divisive.

The fact of the matter is that civil marriage legislation in Rhode Island will not require the Catholic Church to change its beliefs on the subject of gay marriage. Instead, it will extend numerous civil benefits to same-sex couples. Without these benefits, thousands of same-sex couples continue to face discrimination on a state and local level. That's unjust.

I'm writing you today to let you know that your rhetoric -- calling supporters of same-sex marriage immoral and saying that marriage equality would divide the state in harmful ways -- is irresponsible. It's also not reflective of the majority of voters and Catholics in your state, who support the right of same-sex couples to access civil marriage.

Thank you for your time.

[Your name]

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