Rhode Island becomes tenth state to embrace marriage equality

Rhode Island became the tenth state to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, after Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) signed the Marriage Equality Act into law.

"This is truly a proud day for Rhode Island. Gov. Chafee's signature on this historic marriage equality legislation ensures that all families are recognized, valued and respected equally under the law," Ray Sullivan, Rhode Islanders United for Marriage Campaign Director, said in a statement.

The law takes effect on August 1, allowing same-sex couples to officially tie the knot.

In an opinion piece for the New York Times, Chafee said Monday the country was witnessing a national shift in regards to same-sex marriage.

"A historic realignment is happening all around us, as Americans from all walks of life realize that this is the right thing to do," he wrote. "It is occurring both inside and outside of politics, through conversations at the office and over kitchen tables, and at different speeds in different parts of the country. But once the people have spoken, politics should do its part to make the change efficient and constructive. "