STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

RI on Way to be 10th State to Allow Gay Marriage

Rhode Island is set to become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry following approval by the state Senate by a comfortable margin.

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee testifies in support of same-sex marriage before the House Judiciary Committee. (Photo: AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is set to become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry following approval by the state Senate by a comfortable margin.

Gay marriage supporters erupted into cheers at the Statehouse on Wednesday following the Senate's 26-12 vote.

The first marriages could take place Aug. 1, when the legislation would take effect.

The bill easily passed the House in January but now must get a largely procedural final vote there, likely next week. Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) supports the legislation.

While all other New England states already allow gay marriage, heavily Catholic Rhode Island has been a hold-out. An aggressive campaign this year by supporters helped sway lawmakers. The bill's chances also improved when Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed announced she would let it proceed despite her opposition.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop DoggR. Kelly, Erykah BaduKendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.