Unitarian, UCC leaders to rally for gay marriage in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Association and United Church of Christ are rallying for gay marriage in Rhode Island.

The Rev. Peter Morales and the Rev. Geoffrey Black plan to speak Sunday afternoon at Providence's First Unitarian Church. Morales is president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and Black is general minister and president of the United Church of Christ. Both denominations have long supported calls to allow same-sex marriage.

The event is designed to support legislation that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. The bill has passed the Rhode Island House and is pending in the Senate.

Nine states and the District of Columbia now allow gay marriage. Rhode Island is the only New England state that does not.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.