On the eve of a Brown University poll showing solid support for same-sex marriage, Democratic Party Chairman William Lynch tried to offer encouragement to a group of his party loyalists frustrated by a lack of support for the issue in the General Assembly.

“We have a big tent in the Democratic Party, and frankly not everyone in this party agrees with everyone in this room on every issue,” Lynch told about 35 people Wednesday night at Chiazza Trattoria restaurant in Barrington. Though state lawmakers have so far failed to approve legislation recognizing same-sex marriage, he said, “I think eventually that’s gonna happen in Rhode Island.”

But some said they’d already waited too long.

“It’s not enough to be patient any longer,” said a silver-haired man. “Don’t be frustrated? Like hell, I’m very frustrated!”

The gathering over free drinks and hors d’oeuvres was to “to say thank-you on the part of the Democratic Party” to supporters, Lynch said. Attendees included members of LBGT (Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender) and supporters of gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Lynch, who is considering a run for state attorney general, said that his support for same-sex marriage is not shared by the party leadership, specifically House Speaker William Murphy.

One woman in the back of the room asked why the Democratic Party isn’t able to “play a more influential role in moving [Murphy] aside.”

“He is using his office to impede our ability to move this bill out of committee,” she said.

Lynch responded that the leadership is chosen based on who can “garner the most support” across a wide range of issues. “That’s the system,” he said, “and we’re not going to break that.”

Winning support for same-sex marriage may take time, he said, but “we will get there.”

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts along with Representatives Frank Ferri, Raymond J. Sullivan and Edwin R. Pacheco also attended.

—Lynn Arditi