News (USA)

RI Governor to speak at anti-gay organization fund raiser

RI Gov Donald CarcieriRhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri is defending his decision to speak at a fundraiser for a Massachusetts group that considers homosexuality “destructive” and “an unhealthy practice.”

Carcieri said on WPRO Radio on Wednesday that he agreed at the request of a friend to be the keynote speaker at a fund raising banquet for Massachusetts Family Institute. The organization also believes it’s unhealthy for children to be raised by unwed adults or same-sex couples.

Queer Action of Rhode Island, a group that supports marriage equality, has sent a letter to the governor’s office dated August 29 asking him not to attend the event.

The group says in its letter that it’s “appalling” that Carcieri would support an organization that “advocates against the lives of some R.I. citizens.”

Carcieri said that he is not familiar with the organization’s website, but his opposition to same-sex marriage is well-known, and that the issue should be decided by voters, not the Legislature.

The chairman of Rhode Island’s Democratic party and a group supporting same-sex marriage have condemned Carcieri’s decision.

A spokeswoman for the Republican governor says Carcieri has no plans to cancel the unpaid appearance, scheduled for Oct. 5.

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