JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY DISCRIMINATION (This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article I, section 2, that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.)
Impact
If approved, this amendment would solidify numerous civil rights protections in Rhode Island, reinforcing the state's commitment to equality for all. By explicitly stating that discrimination on these grounds cannot be upheld by the state or any entity doing business with it, the bill would provide a clearer legal framework for individuals seeking recourse against discrimination. This aligns Rhode Island's constitutional protections with those found in federal law, aiming for a more equitable treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within the state.
Summary
S2431 is a proposed joint resolution aimed at amending the Constitution of the State to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This initiative, introduced by multiple senators, seeks to enhance the protections granted under the state constitution regarding equal rights for all individuals, ensuring that no person is discriminated against due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The proposed amendment would replace the existing language of Article I, section 2, significantly impacting how discrimination cases are approached at the state level.
Contention
While supporters herald the bill as a monumental step forward in civil rights, there may be notable contention surrounding it. Critics could argue that such amendments may infringe upon certain religious or personal beliefs, posing challenges to how businesses and religious organizations operate in relation to LGBTQ+ rights. This introduces a debate around balancing civil rights and religious freedoms, which could manifest during public discussions and voting processes.
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)
Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)
Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)