Rhode Island

The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Rhode Island. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 05/30/2009

Same-Sex Relationships

Performs Same-Sex Marriages
No explicit prohibition, but no marriage licenses have been granted.		 No
Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage
No explicit prohibition or approval. In 2004, the state Attorney General said that his review of the law suggests that Rhode Island would recognize valid out-of-state marriages unless they are against the strong public policy of the state. This is not legally binding on the state courts, however. 		Maybe
Other Recognition: None
Though there is no statewide registry, the state legislature has extended some very limited rights to same-sex couples, including the right of the surviving partners of police officers, fire fighters, or correctional officers to receive death benefits, and the right to deduct the cost of insurance premiums for a partner from adjusted gross income for state income tax. 		No

 

Gay and Lesbian Adoption

Single LGBT Adoption
State law permits any individual to adopt. R.I. GEN. LAWS § 15-7-4(a).		 Yes
Joint Same-Sex Adoption
No explicit prohibition, and no higher state court has yet heard a case. Some lower courts, however, have granted same-sex joint adoptions.		 Maybe
Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child
No explicit prohibition, and no higher state court has yet heard a case. Some lower courts, however, have granted same-sex second parent adoptions.		 Maybe

 

Housing Discrimination

Protections on the basis of sexual orientation
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4.3 (2001).		 Yes
Protections on the basis of gender identity
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4.3 (2001).		 Yes

 

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