Last week, NBA Center Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay male in active professional team sports. That was pretty big news. But on Thursday, Rhode Island also made big news by becoming the 10th state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
As the world continues to evolve, same sex relationships are swiftly becoming acceptable in America. Surprisingly, this was not the case just 10 years ago, when gay rights activists were in the fight of their lives for national acceptance. Realizing the country would never collectively vote to approve same-sex marriage, the “Equality” movement shifted their strategy to a local approach, opting to go state by state to gain approval.
That plan has certainly paid off. With Rhode Island now among the ranks of acceptance, there are other states that are on the precipice of allowing same sex couples to wed:
Delaware – This is the state to watch after their House of Representatives recently approved same-sex marriage on a 23-18 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate with the support of Democratic Gov. Jack Markell. Incidentally, Delaware approved same-sex civil unions last year.
Illinois – The state senate approved gay marriage legislation on Valentine’s Day. Supporters in the House say they’re only a few votes short but hope to force a vote before the General Assembly adjourns this spring. Gov. Pat Quinn supports the bill.
Minnesota – Legislation has cleared committees in both the House and Senate and is awaiting an up or down vote on the floor.
New Jersey – The Democratic controlled legislature is expected to override GOP Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of gay marriage legislation a year ago. But Democrats don’t have enough members in power to guarantee an override, prompting Christie to suggest putting the question before voters.
Oregon – Gay marriage advocates hope to reverse a ban on gay marriage passed by voters in 2004, by placing a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot. The effort has the support of Gov. John Kitzhaber.
