thepoliticalfreakshow:Same-Sex Couples Are Now Able To Marry In Rhode Island and MinnesotaSame-sex c
thepoliticalfreakshow:Same-Sex Couples Are Now Able To Marry In Rhode Island and MinnesotaSame-sex couples right now, just past the stroke of midnight, for the first time in history, are legally able to marry in Minnesota and Rhode Island, after legislatures in both states passed marriage equality into law earlier this year. On May 2, Rhode Island passed same-sex marriage into law, and Governor Lincoln Chafee, then an Independent, and now a Democrat, signed it into law hours later. Then, on May 13, the Minnesota Senate cast the final vote for marriage, and Democratic governor Mark Dayton signed the bill the following day. Both laws are effective today, August 1.As of today, thirteen states (like the original thirteen colonies!), Washington, D.C., and several native American tribes have extended marriage to same-sex couples. Now, about 30 percent of the U.S. offers marriage equality. Just 37 more states, plus territories like Puerto Rico, to go.Couples began marrying in Minnesota just past midnight, and the first Rhode Island couples married earlier this morning.Congratulations to all the happy couples and all the citizens of Minnesota and Rhode Island! -- source link