Little support for marriage alternative in RI By The Associated Press 10:00am Columbia Station EDT (Providence.) A proposal to extend some of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples and others who can’t legally, such as siblings, is winning little support amid Rhode Island’s debate over legalizing marriage. The legislation would some rights associated with insurance coverage, health care decisions and inheritance to so-ed “reciprocal beneficiaries.” Relatives would also be eligible for the legal relationship so as each relative is single and over 18. Any two people who could legally would be ineligible. A handful of states around the nation have created similar legal relationships. In Rhode Island, the idea is one of several alternatives being considered this year to a proposal to legalize marriage. The legislation has groups on both sides of the marriage debate in rare agreement: neither side likes the idea of reciprocal beneficiaries, but for different reasons. No one spoke in favor of the measure at a legislative hearing Tuesday night. Russo, an opponent of marriage, said she worries that a reciprocal beneficiary law is a first step to full marriage for couples. “It’s a Trojan horse,” Russo said. “They know this get them same-sex marriage. This is their backup plan.” But groups behind the marriage oppose a reciprocal beneficiary because it wouldn’t extend full marriage rights. Kushnir, executive director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island, said in a statement that same-sex couples “deserve nothing less than equal access to marriage.” Two people with reciprocal beneficiary status could make decisions about the other’s medical care, receive coverage under the other person’s insurance and be treated as spouses when it comes to inheritance law. But they wouldn’t receive other rights awarded through marriage – including custody rights, support, tax credits and incentives and veterans and Social Security benefits. continues . Chicago people vacationed, so that's why I guessed it. It is really though. I've been to Mackinack (did I spell right?) Island and rode on the "Ducks" at the Dells (those car things with wheels that can go in the water). I Wisconsin in the, but no way would I live there in -!