PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island is set to become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry following approval by the state Senate by a comfortable margin.
Gay marriage supporters erupted into cheers at the Statehouse on Wednesday following the Senate’s 26-12 vote.
The first marriages could take place Aug. 1, when the legislation would take effect.
The bill easily passed the House in January but now must get a largely procedural final vote there, likely next week. Gov. Lincoln Chafee supports the legislation.
While all other New England states already allow gay marriage, heavily Catholic Rhode Island has been a hold-out. An aggressive campaign this year by supporters helped sway lawmakers. The bill’s chances also improved when Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed announced she would let it proceed despite her opposition.