PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is hailing Rhode Island's new law allowing same-sex couples to marry.
The Rhode Island Democrat said Thursday he is "proud of our state for taking this important step toward equality for all."
"I want to particularly congratulate Governor Chafee on a historic legislative victory. His staunch support -- along with the work of House Speaker Gordon Fox and his allies in the legislature and the grassroots efforts of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community -- made this great day possible."
The senator said he is cosponsor of a bill that would repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a law that allows states that do not recognize same-sex marriage to ignore ceremonies performed in other states.
By Richard C. Dujardin