A Rhode Island bishop is speaking out against Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) and his push to legalize gay marriage.

Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin said it's disturbing that Chafee has made such a divisive issue one of his first priorities, instead of economic concerns.

"His proposal violates the sincere conscience of many of our citizens and inflames passions on both sides of the issue," Tobin said.

The bill was introduced in the General Assembly last week by State House Speaker Gordon Fox, who is openly gay. Fox said the gay marriage debate will not be rushed, but lawmakers feel this is the right time for lawmakers to address the matter.

A Chafee adviser said gay marriage is an economic issue because it could attract gay and lesbian professionals to the state.