By Katherine Gregg
Journal State House Bureau

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Opponents of same-sex marriage will get a chance to push their own bid for a referendum at Wednesday's State House hearing on a bill co-sponsored by House Speaker Gordon D. Fox to allow same-gender nuptials in Rhode Island.

The House Judiciary Committee agenda now includes proposals by lawmakers on both sides of the divide.

One would legalize same-gender nuptials in Rhode Island. Co-sponsors of the bill include Fox and the chairwoman of the House committee that will be conducting the hearing, Edith Ajello, D-Providence.

On Monday, the Fox leadership team decided to add to the agenda the referendum bill introduced last week by Rep. Jon Brien, D-Woonsocket; Arthur Corvese, D-North Providence; Joseph Trillo, R-Warwick; Stephen Ucci, D-Johnston; and Samuel Azzinaro, D-Westerly.

The bill would give 2012 voters a chance to amend the state Constitution to include this phrase: "Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in the State of Rhode Island.''

Wednesday's Judiciary Committee hearing will begin at whatever point the full House completes its calendar for the day.