Just before he signed the legislation into law, Gov. Lincoln Chafee took to the steps of the Rhode Island State House, where he told a jubilant crowd, "Today we are making history ... we are living up to the ideals of our founder."
He went on to note, "When your belief and heart is in something, it's easy work. I am proud to say that now, at long last, you are free to marry the person you love."
Ten states in the US now recognise marriage equality, and its likely to become eleven next week when Delaware's bill comes before the Senate for final approval.