Rhode Island

While Rhode Island does not allow same-sex couples to marry within their state, the state does respect out-of-state marriages regardless of whether the couple could have married in Rhode Island (a divorce by a same-sex couple was not recognized, but the marriage recognition law was not necessarily changed as a result). To achieve full equality, Rhode Island has introduced a marriage equality bill in the last several legislative sessions. State advocacy groups and citizens across the state continue to work on ending the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage.

Status: Equally Honoring Out-of-State Marriages

Groups Actively Working on Marriage

Marriage Equality Rhode Island: the lead organization in the fight for equal marriage for same-sex couples in Rhode Island

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders: Rhode Island: New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression

 

 

Blog Posts Related to Rhode Island

Freedom to Marry’s Summer for Marriage tour ends week one in strong fashion

NOM’s turnout grows sparer with each day while excitement grows at each stop on Freedom to Marry’s Summer for Marriage tour.

Serious legal hurdles for divorce of same-sex couples

It's only been two months since the District of Columbia legalized the freedom to marry, but local attorney Lawrence Jacobs is already cautioning his clients: Marriage may be allowed, but divorce will be much harder to do.

While the District and five states have legalized marriage equality and consequently allow divorces, granting divorces to same-sex couples elsewhere is often murky. As married same-sex couples cross into states that explicitly ban or don't recognize the freedom to marry, they face a dilemma.

New pro-marriage Video produced by GLAD and Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI)

Five families are the subjects of a new video produced by GLAD and Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI).

"Valuing All Families: Marriage Equality in Rhode Island" is a new tool in the campaign to end marriage discrimination in the Ocean State.

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Resources Related to Rhode Island

Rhode Island Census Snapshot

Demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Rhode Island.

Marrying in Massachusetts: A Guide for Rhode Island Couples

Help for Rhode Island same-sex couples to understand the decision to marry in Massachusetts and plan for what may lie ahead.

Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey

Groundbreaking research showing a huge increase in same-sex couples identifying themselves as "unmarried partners".

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