Gov. attends marriage equality forum

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is set to participate in a forum on the economic impact of gay marriage.

The discussion is scheduled for Thursday at New York University. CNBC host Suze Orman is the host of the forum.

Chafee, an independent, supports legislation in the state's General Assembly that would allow gays and lesbians to marry.

The bill has passed the House but has not yet been taken up by the Senate.

Chafee argues that passing gay marriage legislation would help the state attract more individuals and businesses. He says the state is now at a competitive disadvantage with the five other New England states, all of which allow same-sex couples to marry.