Married same sex couples unable to divorce in Rhode Island, despite recent order

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee issued an executive order on Monday that requires the state to recognize same sex marriages performed out-of-state. The order gives married same sex couples many of the same rights as heterosexual couples. However, same sex couples married elsewhere will still not be able to get a divorce in the state.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) told Raw Story that the executive order does not provide the ability to divorce. In 2007, the Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that the state’s Family Court does not have jurisdiction to recognize a same sex marriage performed out of state, and therefore could grant same sex couples a divorce.

Legislation currently being considered by the Rhode Island House, The Equal Access to Family Court Act, would need to be signed into law before same sex couples married out-of-state could file for divorce.

Read More: RawStory.com