Good news!
Gov. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island signed a bill into law yesterday that legalizes equal marriage rights and responsibilities for gay and lesbian families! This will make Rhode Island the 10th U.S. State to legalize same-sex marriage in our post-Proposition 8 world:
When I sign the Marriage Equality Act into law, I will be thinking of the Rhode Islanders who have fought for decades simply to be able to marry the person they love. I will be thinking of how Rhode Island is upholding its legacy as a place founded on the principles of tolerance and diversity. But I will also be thinking, as all governors must, about the economy. With marriage equality becoming law tomorrow night in Rhode Island, we are sending a clear message that we are open for business, and that all are welcome. I hope that leaders in capitals across the country — including Washington — will soon realize that marriage equality is an issue where doing the right thing and the smart thing are one and the same.
This new law will go into effect on 08/01/13.
