
Rhode Island legislator Robert Quattrocchi is facing criticism for making offensive comments during a hearing with colleague Rebecca Kislak. The discussion concerned proposed legislation that would require lawmakers to attach equity impact statements to all bills introduced to the state General Assembly. Quattrocchi asked whether he would have to consider how a bill affects Satanists or pedophiles in Rhode Island. Kislak responded by stating that being a pedophile is not a sexual orientation and called Quattrocchi’s comments offensive. Quattrocchi apologized, but the Rhode Island House Speaker described his remarks as “reprehensible and insulting to a colleague”. It is unclear whether Quattrocchi will be reprimanded for his comments.