Freshman politico takes strong stand for GLBT rights
by Joe Siegel
EDGE Contributor
Tuesday Apr 22, 2008

Frank Ferri has played many roles in his life: business owner, GLBT civil rights activist and husband.

Last December, Ferri, 54, was sworn in as the newest member of the Rhode Island legislature. Ferri is representing District 22 in Warwick as a Democrat, filling the seat vacated last July by longtime state Rep. Peter Ginaitt (D).

Ferri is only the second openly gay member of the general assembly, joining House Majority Leader Gordon Fox, who came out at a marriage equality rally in 2004. Ferri has served as co-chair of Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI). Ferri and his partner Tony Caparco were married in Vancouver, Canada in 2006. They have been together for 27 years.

Ferri also owns Town Hall Lanes, which hosts Big Gay Al’s Bowling League. Ferri has helped raise thousands of dollars for AIDS organizations. Ferri recently took the time to speak with EDGE about his goals as a state legislator and how it will impact the GLBT community.

"Since my election win I have been made to feel very welcome at the Statehouse by everyone I have met," says Ferri. "Everyone I meet for the first time congratulates me on my win and compliments me for such a well-run campaign. The first day of the session Tony was introduced on the floor as my spouse. There obviously is a decorum of respect for each other and I am treated no differently (than straight legislators)."

Ferri’s main priorities will be health care, education and the environment, which are the issues he based his campaign on. Ferri serves as a member of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee. In February, the Compassion for All Families Act was introduced. If passed, the bill would give domestic partners the spousal benefits of family medical leave, nursing home visitation and funeral planning.

Another bill, allowing same-sex couples to divorce, was also announced. Ferri supports both bills. Ferri opposes civil unions, stating they fall short of true equality for same-gender couples.

"My position on civil unions is that (they do) not achieve full equality. I believe our relationships deserve no less (than equal status with heterosexual unions)," Ferri explains.

The Rhode Island politico believes his status as an openly gay elected official bodes well for advances in GLBT equality down the road: "I was elected as a openly gay married man who had never run for a prior elected position. I believe that speaks volumes to the advancement of our community and to the greater acceptance by Rhode Islanders and our fight for equality," he adds.

One obstacle in the quest to make same-sex marriage a reality has been Governor Don Carcieri (R), who has been condemned by some groups, such as the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for his anti-gay views.

"I don’t think it is a secret that I do not agree with him on GLBT issues especially marriage equality," Ferri says of Carcieri. "I don’t think the (same-sex marriage) bill will be passed until he is out of office."

However, Ferri has great respect for Rep. Art Handy (D-Cranston), who has been a staunch supporter of GLBT rights and a lead sponsor of marriage legislation in the past.

"He donated time walking with me door to door and helping at my house on campaign work," Ferri confirms. "A few others helped out during my primary and then several others during the general election. Now that I am at the statehouse, democrats as well as Republicans are willing to answer questions to help me with my new job."

The elected politician is grateful for the opportunity to change things for the better, and credits the support of the GLBT community for his election victory: "I would like to express my gratitude to our community for the love and support I received during my campaign. It was a humbling experience to have so many volunteers selflessly devote their time and energy for me."

Ferri continues, "While walking door to door many of my neighbors told me they were impressed with the number of people that came forward to work on my campaign. They felt that I was a worthy candidate that they were comfortable voting for. Our election process really works when we all participate."