08:04 AM EDT on Monday, May 17, 2004

PROVIDENCE (AP) -- As their neighbors to the north prepared for the nation's first state-sanctioned gay marriages, residents of Rhode Island gathered to discuss how the change in Massachusetts would impact the Ocean State.

In a meeting hosted by the Providence Public Library yesterday afternoon, panelists said they believed gay marriage in Rhode Island was not far away.

"It will take one general-election cycle for my colleagues and newly elected members to become convinced that this isn't an issue that their constituents are radically opposed to," said Rhode Island Rep. Edith Ajello, D-Providence. "By and large, constituents would urge us to be fair and treat all citizens justly. We will get there in Rhode Island, and we will get there soon."

Panelist Kate Monteiro, of the Rhode Island Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she was focused on securing same-sex marriage rights in Rhode Island, rather than forcing people to travel north to tie the knot.

"There are hundreds of couples who are part of the campaign for marriage equality in Rhode Island," she said. "The vast majority of us are committed to seeing marriage happen here."

Other panel members included state Sen. Rhoda Perry and the Rev. Jennifer Phillips.

Attorney General Patrick Lynch has said he will issue an opinion today on whether same-sex marriages performed elsewhere would be recognized here. Massachusetts' Governor Romney has said that state law prohibits couples from marrying there if the marriage would be illegal in their home state.