RI: First Gay House Speaker Elected

Gordon D. Fox was elected the state's first openly gay House Speaker on Thursday, the Providence Journal reported. Fox was widely considered the front-runner in a three man race that included Representative Gregory Schadone, a Democrat from North Providence, and Robert Watson, a Republican from East Greenwich. Fox received the support of nearly three-quarters of the chamber's members.

In an interview with the paper last fall, Fox, who came out publicly in 2004, said he is “in a long-term relationship, but not officially married,” and when he does marry, he would like to do it in his home state. Fox's ascension is likely to help make that a reality.

Rhode Island is the only New England state that has not legalized gay marriage. Last year, Maine lawmakers approved a gay marriage bill, but opponents successfully repealed the law after a difficult fight that drew national attention to the state.

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