09/29/2006
Judge: Gay Rhode Island Couple can Marry in Massachusetts
A 1913 law prohibits Massachusetts from marrying out of state couples there if the marriage would not be recognized in their home state. This has been the reason why the state has not been inundated with out of state same-sex couples wanting to wed.
Today, however, a Superior Court has ruled that because Rhode Island's laws do not specifically ban same-sex marriage, a lesbian couple can be married by the state of Massachusetts.
Superior Court Judge Thomas Connolly: "No evidence was introduced before this court of a constitutional amendment, statute, or controlling appellate decision from Rhode Island that explicitly deems void or otherwise expressly forbids same-sex marriage."
It is not yet known if State Attorney General Thomas Reilly will appeal the ruling.
Judge rules gay R.I. couple has right to marry in Mass. [boston globe]
You may have missed...
Wisconsin: Lesbians Attacked Over Gay Marriage Discussion [tr]
Posted 11:14 AM EST by Andy in Gay Marriage, Massachusetts, News, Rhode Island | Permalink
Like it?
Subscribe to FREE Towleroad daily headlines with our RSS feed!
RECENT STORIES:
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
A point of correction: It is actually known if the State AG will appeal the ruling. The article says, "State Attorney General Thomas Reilly said he would not appeal Connolly's ruling." What is not known is how (or if) Republican Governor Mitt Romney will respond. Since he is not running for re-election this year and his term expires in January, he's essentially a lame duck.
Posted by: j-vass | Sep 29, 2006 12:42:01 PM
While the ruling seems fair and correct, conservatives are going to make a lot of hay over this one and the state of RI has yet to weigh in. Let's hope the proposed DOMA CA doesn't get wind from this one.
Posted by: Anon | Sep 29, 2006 1:08:42 PM
While this makes me really happy, I just don't understand why this is still an issue. If you don't like gay marriage, don't marry someone of the same sex. Leave us alone already.
Posted by: duane | Sep 29, 2006 1:50:40 PM
It's called rallying your base for fund raising.
Posted by: Anon | Sep 29, 2006 2:45:55 PM
"fundraising" actually
Posted by: anon | Sep 29, 2006 2:46:45 PM
But isn't it also in the state of MA's interests to allow out-of-state marriages? I mean, in terms of revenues? Weddings aren't cheap. Even if a couple from, say, RI comes in to marry and leave, they'll spend while they're there or they may relocate permanently.
Not to make the issue "all about money", but I'm just confused about this...
Posted by: Derrick | Sep 29, 2006 2:48:28 PM
Hmm, good to know. Here in RI I know many gay couples who I think would make use of this judgement. Sure they'll have to make "the long drive" up to MA for the wedding, but they'll get over it if RI recognizes the marriage.
Really, all of RI has been watching the news regarding the Station Nightclub Fire.
Posted by: Rob (lrdarystar) | Sep 29, 2006 4:52:30 PM
According to local news reports just listening on our local NPR, our good Mormon soon to be former Governor is "asking Attorney General to reconsider" ...bye bye bye Mitt and a big FUCK YOU to him. Get out of our Commonwealth, my God what were the voters thinking?
Posted by: Robert and Michael | Sep 29, 2006 7:16:22 PM
So, if there is no law in RI banning same sex marriage, why can't they get married in RI?
Posted by: Kerry | Oct 1, 2006 12:16:42 PM