Gay Rights Group to Honor Governor, First Lady

During his inauguration as governor in January 2011, Lincoln Chafee urged residents and legislators to "catch up to her New England neighbors and pass a bill to establish marriage equality." Two years later, Chafee's vision became a reality as Rhode Island became the 10th state to allow same-sex marriage.

For his and First Lady Stephanie Chafee's leadership on the same-sex marriage debate and "vocal support for LGBT civil rights issues," the couple will be inducted into Rhode Island Pride's "Pyramid of Pride," an honor reserved for those who have "demonstrated leadership, dedication and the courage of their convictions to improve the quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community."

RI Pride highlights Chafee's leadership on gay marriage — particularly his inclusion of the issue in his agenda as governor — and his support for gay rights during his years as U.S. senator. He has been an outspoken supporter for homosexuals' civil rights, RI Pride asserted, noting commentary he provided to the Huffington Post in June 2009.

"Once you acknowledge that homosexuality exists not by choice, the next obvious step is to grant gays and lesbians the same liberties and freedoms as every other American," Chafee wrote. "As a proud Rhode Islander who thinks of my state as a leader when it comes to treating others with dignity and respect, it troubles me to think we’ve fallen behind in granting our gay and lesbian family members and friends something as fundamentally important as the right to have their relationships fully recognized by the state.”

Stephanie Chafee has likewise been an advocate for gay rights, RI Pride notes, specifically her support for same-sex marriage, her work with Youth Pride Inc., and her advocacy for her patients as a nurse.

Rhode Island's first couple will receive their awards at the Rhode Island PrideHonors Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Hope Artiste Village, 999 Main St., Pawtucket. Tickets for the ceremony are available for $30/each or $55/couple at www.PrideRI.com. Check out RI Pride TV for more information