By Ryan Collett

Rhode Island passed a law this week that will recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The law now gives important benefits and protections to married gay couples.
 
The new law was signed on Monday by Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee as an executive order for the state. The law now provides clarity to a subject that was previously undefined and the center of debate.
 
Now, same-sex couples in Rhode Island that have been married in other states will have the same rights and benefits as heterosexual marriages. Important protections like the placement of parents’ names on their child’s birth certificate and tax exemptions will now be available to married gay couples.
 
Rhode Island currently does not allow same-sex marriage, but has been preforming civil unions since July 2011.