Rhode Island became the tenth U.S. state to embrace marriage equality, following a procedural vote in the House of Representatives, and independent Gov. Lincoln Chafee's signature on the Marriage Equality Act today.

New Mexico governor Susana Martinez last month signed a bill that will streamline the process of obtaining occupational licenses for veterans and their spouses. It's a great idea — veterans and their families will be able to more easily support themselves upon moving to the state. But as of Friday, there's a gaping issue: the bill excludes same-sex partners, as Martinez vetoed an identical version of the bill that included domestic partners.

The nation's most influential pediatrician's group has endorsed gay marriage, saying a stable relationship between parents regardless of sexual orientation contributes to a child's health and well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics' new policy, published online Thursday, cites research showing that the parents' sexual orientation has no effect on a child's development. Kids fare just as well in gay or straight families when they are nurturing and financially and emotionally stable, the academy says.

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), once a staunch opponent of gay marriage, says that he now supports same-sex nuptials after his son told him he was gay.

“I’m announcing today a change of heart on an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about that has to do with gay couples’ opportunity to marry,” Portman said, according to CNN.