Official: R.I. should recognize Mass. gay unions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch says his state should recognize the gay marriages of state employees performed in Massachusetts.

1. Other political news of note
   1. Obama challenges Naval Academy graduates to help restore trust in institutions

      In a speech to the graduating class of 2013 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., President Barack Obama challenged the 1,047 graduates to “live with integrity” and help restore trust in a military that has been stained by recent charges of sexual assault.

   2. Republicans' 'Mad Lib' IRS controversy
   3. Obama reframes rules of engagement on terrorism
   4. IRS official Lerner placed on leave
   5. Heckler repeatedly interrupts Obama speech

A letter dated yesterday from Lynch says Rhode Island prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and also extends benefits such as health insurance to domestic partners of state employees.

And because there’s no Rhode Island law banning gay marriage — Lynch says there’s no reason to deny recognition of same-sex unions performed in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is the only state where gay marriage is legal.

Lynch spokesman Michael Healey says the opinion is not binding, but a staff attorney for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders says she expects most government agencies in Rhode Island to heed the legal advice of the state’s top lawyer.