State of Rhode Island Archives: on Civil Rights
Carl Sheeler:
Recognize civil unions; supports same-sex marriage
Q: Should Rhode Island recognize civil unions between same-sex couples? A: Yes.
Q: Should Rhode Island restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
A: No.
Furthermore, the issue of religion obfuscates the rights and freedom of choice between consenting adults in violation of church and state. Property rights need to be equitable for all.
Source: 2004 R.I. Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 7, 2004
Carl Sheeler:
Women & minorities are underrepresented in business
Regarding Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies’ decisions on: - Public employment?
A: No. -
State college and university admission?
A: No. - State contracting?
A: Yes. - Sheeler adds, “Women & minorities are underrepresented in business opportunities & state should offer similar opportunities as Federal 8(2) program.”
Source: 2004 R.I. Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 7, 2004
Gina Raimondo:
Fight for pay equity for working women
Income and social inequality across our country--and here in Rhode Island--threaten to leave far too many people behind. For our state to succeed, every Rhode Islander must have the opportunity to participate in its economic revitalization.
Left unaddressed, inequality also threatens to undermine any efforts to improve our state's economy. Gina will work every day to ensure that all Rhode Islanders are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.
As governor, Gina will:- Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 in 2015 and index it to inflation, guaranteeing that workers will have a wage that keeps pace with the changing costs of the goods and services they buy,
regardless of which way the political winds are blowing.
- Protect Rhode Islanders from foreclosure with a Homeowner's Bill of Rights.
- Fight for Pay Equity for Rhode Island's working women.
Source: 2014 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website, GinaRaimondo.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mark Zaccaria:
Marriage only between one man and one woman
Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military?
A: Yes.
Zaccaria adds, "Military service for soldiers of all sexual preferences should be approved only when the military command is ready for it. The problem is not in the trenches.
The problem is in the religious, educational, and health systems the US Military runs worldwide. Should an ordained member of clergy who is also a military chaplain be required by order of the president
to act against the spiritual teachings of the hierarchy of his or her faith? There are sticky questions to be resolved internally. When the military is ready, I'm ready."
Source: R.I. Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Mark Zaccaria:
End federal affirmative action programs
Q: Should the federal government end affirmative action programs?
A: Yes.
Source: R.I. Congressional 2010 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Stephen Laffey:
Find a way to wiretap al-Qaeda members calling into the US
Q: What is the proper oversight role of Congress and its judiciary? A: All executives try to extend as much influence as they can and all legislative bodies try to extend as much influence as they can, judiciary weighs in. I personally want to find a way
and I think the American people want to find a way that we can listen into a member of al-Qaeda calling into this country. We have to be able to do that. A federal judge has ruled that it's not legal. But in the end, we'll have to find a way.
Source: 2006 R.I. Republican Senate Primary debate on WPRI
Aug 24, 2006
Helena Foulkes:
Supports state amendment to protect marriage equality
Helena is a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. In light of the Supreme Court's recent actions, it's more important than ever that Rhode Island has a governor who will do everything in their power to protect LBGTQIA+ rights. Helena will support
a constitutional amendment here in Rhode Island that would specifically protect marriage equality. And if the Supreme Court were to overturn marriage equality, Helena would fiercely protect Rhode Island's existing state law.
Source: 2022 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website HelenaFoulkes.com
Oct 3, 2022
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026