In the Associated Press:

The National Organization for Marriage-Rhode Island will urge lawmakers next year to specifically outlaw gay marriage by defining it legally as being between a man and a woman, according to executive director Chris Plante.

“Then we look at 2012,’’ Plante said. “Marriage Equality Rhode Island will make this an election issue, and it will come down to who can bring the most leverage. We believe marriage is a winning political issue.’’

It’s possible the contentious debate could resurface yet this year, during a special legislative session this fall. Lawmakers intend to use the fall session to focus on the state’s mounting public pension crisis but could debate other issues as well.