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.

With congested air travel and over-priced tickets running rampant during this recession, many feel that the best long-term solution to the problem is to implement high-speed rail systems throughout America. President Obama has said that he hopes to be able to provide high-speed rail to 80% of Americans by 2035. Many feel, however, that this deadline is too far away.

Thursday, China introduced its first high-speed rail system that will link the cities of Shanghai and Beijing. The track will cost more than $33 billion and will attempt to relieve the congested travel conditions by offering cheaper fares – train tickets are as little as $67, whereas plane tickets cost on average $138.

This is the same type of solution many high-profile politicians have supported, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and U.S. House Transportation Committee Chair John Mica (R-FL). These and others would like to see a similar system utilized in the Northeast corridor of the United States.  The Northeast corridor is “one of the most valuable and potentially
productive federal assets in the United States,” said Mica. He noted that “the Boston - DC corridor is home to 20% of the nation’s population.” He agrees that this issue is being addressed too slowly.

Bloomberg addressed concerns over high-speed rail, which were echoed by many politicians throughout the nation. “I understand the politics. Everybody in this country wants to pull together, everybody contributes, and everybody wants to get the benefits,” Bloomberg said. “But in some cases the benefits are going to be in one part of the country and then spill over to the others.  Other endeavors, like the interstate highway system, and building airports – every city can share in that. But high-speed rail really only fits for certain parts of the country. But it’s something that’s good for all of us.” This is an area of the country that needs a reduction in air travel more than any other region. According to Mica, “This is the nation’s most congested corridor, on land and in the air, and 70% of our chronically delayed air flights in the country — 70%, get this– start right here in the New York airspace.”