Same-sex couple to divorce?

A same-sex couple from the US who married in Massachusetts - currently the only state in the country which recognises such unions - have filed for divorced in the state in which they live.

Cassandra Ormiston and Margaret Chambers wed in 2004 when it became legal for gay couples to do so, but now they want a legal separation and it is believed that their case is the first to be heard in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island's Supreme Court is due to hear arguments for and against the case later this morning (Tuesday, October 9th) as to whether or not the divorce should be allowed, the Associated Press reports.

The women's lawyers are arguing that the divorce, should it be granted, would have no bearing on same-sex marriage in the state. Gay marriage bills have repeatedly been rejected by the General Assembly.

Whether or not the couple's marriage should in fact be recognised in Rhode Island is being brought into question.

Attorney general Patrick C Lynch, a democratic whose sister married a woman in Massachusetts, argued that the marriage should be recognised. He said: "The crucial issue is whether there is a public policy in this state that is so strong as it will require Rhode Island to except same-sex marriage from the traditional respect and recognition it has shown to laws of its sister states. Rhode Island's case law and legislative enactments do not support such a finding."

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