Another Step Taken Toward Equal Rights

On Thursday, the state of Rhode Island became the tenth state in the United States to vote for equal rights for all of their residents. After both houses of the legislature approved the legalization of same-sex marriage with a final vote, Governor Lincoln Chafee signed the bill into law. It will go into effect on August 1st.

Governor Chafee said, "Today we are making history. . .we are living up to the ideals of our founder." He added, "When your belief and heart are in something, it's easy work. I am proud to say that now, at long last, you are free to marry the person you love."

Here are the states that have approved marriage rights (equal rights) for all of their residents:
Rhode Island
Iowa
New York
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Maine
Maryland
Washington
The District of Columbia also allows same-sex marriages. These states compose about 16.1% of the United States population (based on 2012 census estimates).

This is a day to celebrate, as one more state recognizes that everyone must have the same rights (or the rights of everyone are in danger). But the fight is still far from over. There are still 40 states that believe some citizens deserve more rights than other citizens -- and they cling to this indefensible position in spite of a growing majority of Americans demanding equal rights for everyone.