Same Sex Marriage Is Now Law In Rhode Island

In a jubilant ceremony on the steps of the Rhode Island State House Thursday afternoon, Governor Lincoln Chafee signed legislation making same-sex marriage legal in Rhode Island. It becomes the tenth state with such a law. 

His signature came after the state House of Representatives formally passed the legislation Thursday with a vote of 56-15. The first bill proposing same-sex marriage in Rhode Island was introduced 16 years ago.

Felicia Revens, owner of Felicia's Coffee on Post Road in East Greenwich, was glad the bill had become law, but she was even just happy it was finally allowed to be voted on by both houses of the General Assembly.

"At least everyone voted one way or another," she said via text. "I think it's just another step in the right direction." A year from now, she said, no one will understand what all the fuss was about. 

Revens said she couldn't help but think about some of the first responders to the scene following the Boston Marathon bombings last month. If even one of them was gay, would it be right to say, "No, you can't marry the person you love"? Revens said.

"Can we respect our neighbors, siblings, parents, and those who run our country, teach our children, run businesses and, yes, save our lives and fight for our country?" she said. 

Sen. Dawson Hodgson (R-EG, NK, Narr., SK) was a vocal supporter of the legislation. "I'm pleased to see the issue settled," he shared via Twitter Thursday night. "Sincere best wishes to everyone to whose lives this will impact."

But, he added, he was looking forward "to returning GA's focus to the core fiscal and governance challenges we were elected to address."

East Greenwich Rep. Anthony Giarrusso voted no on the bill. To see how all the representatives voted, click here for the final tally vote.

EG resident Heidi Johnson said she was happy that Rhode Island was finally joining the rest of New England. But it meant more than that for Johnson.

"I'm also happy that my son can now marry in the state he was born and raised in," she shared on Facebook. "I'm very proud of how open he's been" – noting he was the first male cheerleader at EGHS.

"A great day for Rhode Island," wrote Alice Carney on Facebook. Connie Zach wrote, "Finally, equality for all of God's children. Proud of R.I."

"I think the passage of this bill is marvelous, and fair – equitable," said EG resident Paul Langhammer. "I was disappointed to see that our EG rep was among the minority who voted against the bill." But, he said, he was pleased that Rhode Island, "while last in New England to legalize same-sex marriage, is among the first ten states in the country to do so."