R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3.1-1: Definitions.

(1) “Certificate of civil union” means a document that certifies that the persons named on the certificate have established a civil union in compliance with this chapter.

(2) “Civil union” means a legal union between two individuals of the same sex established pursuant to this chapter.

(3) “Party to a civil union” means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to this chapter.