The newly-elected governor of US state Rhode Island has used his first speech to urge for legal gay marriage.

Lincoln Chafee, a Republican turned independent, was sworn in yesterday and took the oath of office on the front steps of the Legislature.

In his inauguration speech, he said: “When marriage equality is the law in Rhode Island, we honour our forefathers who risked their lives and fortune in the pursuit of human equality.”

He continued: “Rhode Island today must be as welcoming to all as [founder] Roger Williams intended it to be.”

Referring to gay marriage and his pledge to repeal anti-immigration policies, he said: “These two actions will do more for economic growth in our state than any economic development loan.”

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For news on the recognition of out-state same-sex marriages in New Mexico, click here