Consider why Rev. Jay Stirnemann of the Christ Temple United Pentecostal Church in Tiverton doesn’t think gay couples should have the same rights as everyone else:

This might be what Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed and Rep. Doc Corvese, both Democrats who have fought against marriage equality, believe but it doesn’t seem to hold water with me. So I asked Rev. Stirnemann, if god created marriage, why animals don’t wed. Here’s what he told me:

Miraculously, his was not the most outlandish reason offered at a State House hearing last night on why legislators should reject marriage equality. That distinction goes to Chris Young, who said gay marriage is a secret plot by communists in the United States to end procreation. He even offered a picture that he said showed Russian troops training inside the United States to prove his point.

Of course, most sane people know this isn’t true. Even probably most legislators realize this too. The reason they won’t support marriage equality is not because they fear the wrath of god or communists, but rather they fear the wrath of voters who fear the wrath of god or communists.

It’s almost equally sad and bizarre that anyone who can get elected to the General Assembly doesn’t realize that this very vocal minority in no way, shape or form is at all indicative of Rhode Island in general. And even if they were, I certainly wouldn’t want my legislative legacy to include standing with Chris Young and Rev. Jay Stirnemann.

Rhode Island politicians should instead stand for reason and equal protection under the law and pass same sex marriage.