Rhode Island became the 10th state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage when Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the bill on Thursday. Starting August 1, same-sex couples will be able to wed. At the bill-signing ceremony, Chafee issued a statement to the LGBT community:
“I know that you have been waiting for this day to come. I know that you have loved ones that dreamed this would happen but did not live to see it. But I am proud to say that now at long last, you are free to marry the person you love.”
The ex-Republican – now Independent – Gov. Chafee has publicly supported same-sex marriage since 2004, and has now helped shape history. Rhode Island is the final state in New England to legalize gay marriage which may impact other states as well. While the LGBT community continues to battle through the legalization of same-sex marriage, there’s some celebration to be had – another state has gained a crucial civil right.
