Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox
on Tuesday married longtime partner Marcus LaFond.
According to The Providence
Journal, the couple married in Fox's State House office and the
ceremony was officiated by Traffic Court Chief Magistrate William
Guglietta.
Denis Dison, a vice president at the
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports openly LGBT
elected officials, confirmed to On Top Magazine that Fox is
the nation's first openly gay and married lawmaker to lead a State
House. Colorado House Speaker Mark Ferrandino entered
a civil union with his partner earlier this year.
In a statement, Fox discussed what it
mean for them to be married on the 15th anniversary of
their commitment ceremony.
“Fifteen years ago on November 12,
Marcus and I exchanged rings and made a lifetime commitment to each
another. This date has great sentimental meaning to both of us, so
we felt it was appropriate to officially exchange our wedding vows
today.”
“Over the years, many people have
encouraged us to travel out of state to get married. As a lifelong
Rhode Islander, I wanted this special day to take place in the state
we both treasure so dearly.”
“I can't help but reflect today on
all the courageous individuals who fought for marriage equality over
the many years it was debated in our state. I am overwhelmed that
all Rhode Island couples now have the opportunity to experience the
same joy that Marcus and I shared today.”
A law approved by lawmakers allowing
gay couples to marry took effect on August 1.