RI Gov. Chafee signs bill allowing civil unions

The General Assembly voted Wednesday to approve civil unions, and Chafee had indicated he would sign the bill.

Gay rights groups urged Chafee to veto the measure, saying it continued discrimination against gays. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence denounced the Assembly vote, calling the concept of civil unions “a mockery of the institution of marriage as designed by God’’ that “undermines the well-being of our families and poses a threat to religious liberty.’’

The push for civil unions came after an attempt to establish gay marriage fell short. Earlier this year, House lawmakers led by Speaker Gordon Fox passed a bill establishing gay marriage, but it ran into opposition in the state Senate. Fox, who is gay, then dropped the effort in favor of advancing civil union legislation, a move that led to heavy criticism by gay rights activists.

On Saturday, Fox was among those who attended the bill signing in the governor’s office and said he was focusing on the “many positives’’ of the legislation.

“Now same-sex couples will have all the rights, benefits and protections enjoyed by those who are married,’’ said Fox, D-Providence, in a statement.

The law also avoids a potentially divisive referendum question, he said.

Chafee, an independent, said he remained “committed to the passage of marriage equality, but democracy is about compromise.’’

“I am convinced that Rhode Island will someday have full marriage equality, and I intend to play a role in that effort,’’ he said.

But the chair of the pro-gay marriage group Marriage Equality Rhode Island, Martha Holt, said she was “remarkably disappointed’’ in Chafee for signing “a bill that creates a second-class citizenry for thousands of lesbian and gay couples in loving, committed relationships.’’

Holt said the bill’s unfairness was magnified by Chafee’s decision to sign it with no fanfare, and she added that only marriage will guarantee gay and lesbian couples the protection they deserve.

“Make no mistake about it, this bill not only falls short of providing equal rights and protection but will undoubtedly cause significant harm to same-sex couples in every corner of Rhode Island,’’ Holt said in a statement.