RI First Lady to Perform Same-Sex Civil Union

The first lady of Rhode Island, Stephanie Chafee, will officiate a civil union ceremony between two gay friends, reports local ABC6.

The grooms-to-be, Ron Margolin and Lynn McKinney, have been together for 32 years and are friends and supporters of the Ocean State's governor, Lincoln Chafee.

According to the article, "McKinney says the Chafees are longtime advocates for the gay and lesbian community. Stephanie Chafee was one of the first nurses in Rhode Island to work with AIDS patients."

While it is not uncommon for lawmakers to authorize non-judges or clergy to perform marriages, this is the first time a civil union ceremony request has been granted in the state, which only began recognizing civil unions for gay couples earlier this year.

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