Current Version
| Region | Rhode Island |
| Issue | Same-sex marriage |
| Status | Civil unions (marriage rights) |
| Start Date | Jul 1, 2011 |
| End Date | Aug 1, 2013 |
| Description | On June 29, 2011, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a compromise bill allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. Signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee, the act officially took effect on July 1, 2011. This status granted couples all of the legal rights, state tax benefits, health-care protections, and responsibilities provided to married spouses under Rhode Island state law, without modifying the legal definition of marriage. Civil union licenses ceased being issued when same-sex marriage was fully legalized on August 1, 2013. |
| Sources | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rhode-island-lawmakers-approve-gay-civil-unions/ https://www.politico.com/story/2011/06/ri-civil-union-bill-advances-058082 |
Revision History (1)
| Original entry | |
|---|---|
| Status | Civil unions (marriage rights) |
| Start Date | Jul 1, 2011 |
| End Date | Aug 1, 2013 |
| Description | On June 29, 2011, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a compromise bill allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. Signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee, the act officially took effect on July 1, 2011. This status granted couples all of the legal rights, state tax benefits, health-care protections, and responsibilities provided to married spouses under Rhode Island state law, without modifying the legal definition of marriage. Civil union licenses ceased being issued when same-sex marriage was fully legalized on August 1, 2013. |
| Sources | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rhode-island-lawmakers-approve-gay-civil-unions/ https://www.politico.com/story/2011/06/ri-civil-union-bill-advances-058082 |