Rhode Island

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples:
None.

  • 2001 Domestic Partnership benefits
  • 2000 Pro-marriage bill proposed, anti-marriage bill blocked. H. 7589: Rep. Mike Pisaturo (D) introduced a bill to end sex discrimination in civil marriage. Committee hearing held. S. 2380: Similar. H. 7552: Anti-marriage bill introduced as well. Failed to advance.

    Statewide Employment Protections
    yes Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
    yes Private employment protections based on gender identity.
    yes Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
    - Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

    R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 28-5-5, 28-5-7, 28-5-5 and 28-5-7

    Statewide Parenting Laws
    Who May Adopt Any person. R.I. Stat. § 15-7-4
    Second Parent Adoptions Approved in lower courts.
    Notes State supreme court has enforced agreement between lesbian partners for visitation after breakup. Rubano v. DiCenzo, 759 A.2d 959 (R.I. 2000

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