New governors call for marriage equality

In inaugural speeches last week, the new governors of New York and Rhode Island each called on their state legislatures to pass bills that would legalize marriage for same-sex couples. "When marriage equality is the law in Rhode Island, we honor our forefathers who risked their lives and fortune in the pursuit of human equality," said Gov. Lincoln Chafee, I-R.I. Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, who is openly gay, said he expects the Legislature will vote on the issue early in the current session. 

"I want to be the governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y. (pictured), at his inauguration.