Gay and lesbian couples across Rhode Island and Minnesota began exchanging 'I dos' on Thursday, as marriage equality laws took effect in both states at 12:01 am.
A transgender girl in Rhode Island has inspired her family to create TransFamily New England, a free and confidential group for family members of transgender, gender variant, or intersex people.
Loving and committed couples will soon have the freedom to marry in Rhode Island as the House of Representatives voted 56-15 to bring marriage equality to the Ocean State. Governor Lincoln Chafee signed the bill into law this evening.
The Rhode Island state Senate voted 26-12 to approve marriage equality, which puts the state on traick to be the tenth to allow marriage for same-sex couples.
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.