Rhode Island became the fifth state to approve same-sex civil unions Wednesday and one of a growing number of states taking steps toward extending equal marriage rights to all couples. the State Senate voted 21-16 to approve same-sex civil unions, following a 62-11 vote of support in the State House of Representatives conducted in May of this year. The bill, signed by Republican-turned-Independent Governor Lincoln Chafee on Saturday, is the product of years of debates and legislation in Rhode Island. It was introduced in the House by Democratic Representative Peter Petrarca.

Chafee referred to the bill as an "incremental step" in providing equal rights to same-sex couples in his state. The Governor recognizes that, although the bill does not recognize same-sex marriages, it's better than nothing and still creates forward progress. Despite his support for the bill, Governor Chafee indicated two reservations: 1) the bill does not legalize same-sex marriage, and 2) the bill allows religious groups the option to not recognize same-sex civil unions. Proponents of the latter say the amendment providing protection to religious groups was necessary to avoid potential legal action targeted at them for following religious beliefs.

The overwhelming vote in the House comes as a surprise, as Rhode Island's electorate is predominantly elderly and Roman Catholic - two large voting blocs that traditionally oppose same-sex equality. One outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage is State Senator Democrat Teresa Paiva Weed of Newport, RI. She said Wednesday was an "historic day," however, and voted in favor of civil unions for same-sex couples.

With the recent passage of same-sex marriage in New York still in our minds and the news of the Rhode Island same-sex civil unions still hot off the press, some analysts have speculated which state(s) might be next in line to extend equality to same-sex couples. Maryland has been in discussions for some time on whether or not to permit similar laws within its borders. The state currently provides limited rights to same-sex couples, including recognizing same-sex civil unions and marriages from other states such as New York and Rhode Island, but stops short of providing those rights for its own citizens. Maryland does, however, appear to be a likely target for further same-sex rights expansions.

Another potential state to further marriage equality is California. The "California Marriage Protection Act" currently states, "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The controversial Proposition 8 passed a voter referendum in November 2008, 52-48%, only to be overturned by a court in August 2010. Judge Vaughn R. Walker stayed the legislation to continue its effect until the appeals process concludes. Oral arguments may begin as early as September.