NEW: Chafee OK with Civil Unions

NEW: Chafee OK with Civil Unions

Governor Lincoln Chafee today said he would sign a civil unions bill if it comes across his desk—even though he would have preferred full gay marriage.

His statement comes after House Speaker Gordon Fox announced he was dropping his support for gay marriage in this session and moving forward with civil unions—even though he still backs the idea of gay marriage.

“I have long been an advocate for marriage equality and, while I had hoped that legislation enacting it would have reached my desk this year, I respect Speaker Fox’s assessment as announced today. I do believe passage of civil union legislation would be a step forward for our state and I would sign such a bill if and when it reaches my desk,” Chafee said.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

If you valued this article, please LIKE GoLocalProv.com on Facebook by clicking HERE.