Rhode Island Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Licenses marriages for same-sex couples? No explicit prohibition.
Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions? No explicit prohibition.
The state attorney general issued a statement in May 2004 that stated “the office [of the attorney general]’s review of Rhode Island law suggests that Rhode Island would recognize any marriage validly performed in another state unless doing so would run contrary to the strong public policy of this state. Public policy can be determined by statute, legal precedent, and common law.” This is not a binding opinion and the attorney general noted that this question will most likely be answered by the courts.
Any form of statewide relationship recognition for same-sex couples? Yes.
Although Rhode Island does not have a statewide registry for same-sex couples, the Legislature has extended limited rights to same-sex couples. These rights include the right of the surviving domestic partner of a police officer, fire fighter or correctional officer to receive a death benefit and the right for health insurance to be offered (for purchase) to the domestic partner of a former employee [COBRA], the right to deduct the cost of insurance premiums for a domestic partner from your federal adjusted gross income for state tax purposes, and the right to make funeral arrangements for a domestic partner.
Citations: R.I. GEN. LAWS §28-48-1, 36-12-4, 44-30-12, 45-49-4.3, 5-33.2-24.
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Last Updated: 1/6/2010