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.
"Lawmakers in Rhode Island proved that marriage equality is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, but an issue of love and commitment," said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. "As the tenth state to usher in marriage for same-sex couples, Rhode Island is the latest example of the rapidly growing support for marriage equality across our country."
Rhode Island becomes the tenth state to enact marriage equality for same-sex couples, along with the District of Columbia. With the passage of this bill, all states in New England recognize the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. The law will take effect on August 1, with the first weddings possibly taking place that day.