The lack of Statehouse action on gay equality means that Rhode Island is unlikely to allow equal marriage anytime soon, despite decisions this year by lawmakers in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont joined Connecticut and Massachusetts in legalizing equal marriage.

"I was hoping the momentum that was going around New England and the support we had in the House would get enough representatives to ask for it," said Rep. Frank Ferri, D-Warwick, who is gay and sponsored same-sex marriage legislation. He and his partner wed in Canada.