Rhode Island

The new Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island has shared his support for marriage equality, as that state is considering such legislation. According to the Rhode Island Future, Bishop Nicholas Knisely supports marriage equality, and will change a diocesan policy to allow priests to bless same-gender couples.

New England values do include a lot of tradition. But that tradition comes from deeper values. Family. Community. Respect. Dignity. Freedom. Faith. Marriage strengthens families. Strong families strengthen communities. Strong communities endure. And nobody knows that better than we do.

Following a press conference on Monday, May 14, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) signed an executive order that will recognize the marriages of same-sex couples performed outside Rhode Island, in jurisdictions where marriage equality is legal. Chafee is the first governor in the country to sign such an executive order.