Poll: Should the Federal Government Redefine Marriage?

Hundreds of Rhode Islanders want the Defense of Marriage Act repealed, and have joined together in signing a petition that stated such and was delivered to Sen. Jack Reed on Monday.

The Defense of Marriage Act is the law that was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996 that stated the federal government would define marriage as being between one man and one woman.

According to Freedom to Marry, the group that sponsored the petition, Sen. Jack Reed is the only member of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation who hasn't signed onto the Respect for Marriage Act, a proposed bill that would repeal the 1996 legislation and allow the federal government to provide the same benefits to same-sex couples and heterosexual ones.

After a similar effort in late September, Freedom to Marry stated that Sen. Reed had indicated he would make a decision quickly, but that has yet to happen.

We want to know: should Sen. Reed sign onto a repeal of the federal government's Defense of Marriage Act? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments section below.