Official: R.I. should recognize Mass. gay unions

State’s attorney general says there’s no reason to deny them recognition

Clinton to appear on 'Meet the Press'

Sunday, November 15

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joins David Gregory from Asia for an in-depth interview on the foreign policy challenges facing the Obama administration including Afghanistan, Iraq and the U.S. image abroad.

AFP-Getty Images

NBC Video: Politics

On Pacific trip, Obama warns North Korea
Nov. 14: Speaking in Japan, President Obama says that the U.S. won't be cowed by North Korea's defiance. NBC's Mike Viqueira reports.

Rep. Kirk touts GOP's health care ideas

Obama: Fort Hood probe shouldn't be 'political theater'

What’s in Sarah Palin’s book?

Justice delayed, but not denied

Week Ahead: Palin-palooza

Healthcare debate Tuesday?

Top McCain adviser defends campaign

Slideshow

The Week in Political Cartoons
Msnbc.com’s political cartoonists take a look back at the past week.

more photos

updated 11:34 a.m. ET Feb. 22, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch says his state should recognize the gay marriages of state employees performed in Massachusetts.

A letter dated yesterday from Lynch says Rhode Island prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and also extends benefits such as health insurance to domestic partners of state employees.

And because there’s no Rhode Island law banning gay marriage — Lynch says there’s no reason to deny recognition of same-sex unions performed in Massachusetts.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Massachusetts is the only state where gay marriage is legal.

Lynch spokesman Michael Healey says the opinion is not binding, but a staff attorney for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders says she expects most government agencies in Rhode Island to heed the legal advice of the state’s top lawyer.