The Affiliate has testified in favor of three bills that would expand the rights allotted to same-sex couples in the state – in divorce (S-271, H-5926), marriage (S-147, H-5744) and funeral arrangements (S-195, H-5294). Regrettably, when the session ends, Rhode Island will remain the only New England state to deny marriage rights to same-sex couples. Worse, it presently appears that no action will even be taken on legislation to allow couples living in Rhode Island who were validly-married in other states to get divorces here. The only positive action is on a bill, passed in slightly different form in both Houses, allowing domestic partners to plan the funeral arrangements for their deceased partner. Although the Governor vetoed this legislation, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for an override when they returned in January.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Related Issues
Related content

Banning Transgender Students from Sports (H 5842)
May 2, 2025
Resolution Expressing Support For the LGBTQIA+ Community (H 6125)
April 15, 2025
Sex Work Decriminalization (S 810)
March 21, 2025
Expanding Insurance Coverage for Fertility (H 5629, H 5771, S 691)
March 17, 2025
The Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act (H 5223, S 538)
February 12, 2025Firewall for Freedom: Protecting Rhode Island
December 12, 2024
Bans on LGBTQ+ Healthcare and Inclusion in Sports (H 7884, H 7727)
April 15, 2024
Sex Work Decriminalization (S 2934)
April 5, 2024