RI Becomes 10th State to Pass Same-Sex Marriage

Sixteen years after legislation was initially introduced in Rhode Island, same-sex marriage is now legal in the Ocean State. On Thursday afternoon, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed the legislation with a vote of 56-15. 

"This is a great day in Rhode Island, not just for the many Rhode Island families who will now get the recognition and equality that they so richly deserve, and not only for the thousands who have been fighting for decades for the dignity and rights of all citizens," said House Speaker Gordon Fox, the first openly gay House Speaker in the nation who has cosponsored the legislation every year. "It is also a wonderful day for the generations of future Rhode Islanders who may never know a time when some people didn’t have all the same rights as others, and who hopefully will grow up wondering how on earth that ever could have been the law”

The vote began at 5:24 p.m. to cheers from the House galleries and floor, ending with, representatives singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Rhode Island will become the 10th state in the country to approve same-sex marriage. It is the last state in New England to pass such legislation.

North Kingstown's two representatives voted on opposite sides of the bill. Rep. Doreen Costa voted against the bill's passage while Rep. Robert Craven approved it.

To see how all legislators voted, click here for the final tally vote.

The House bill and its sister bill in the Senate, which passed the State Senate last month, now head to the steps of the State House for a public signing by Gov. Lincoln Chafee. The bills will become active on August 1. Couples joined in civil unions will also be able to change their status to married at that time.