Rhode Island § 11-24-2 - Hotels and Public Places

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-24-2 — Hotels and Public Places, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-24-2. Hotels and Public Places

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-24-2

§ 11-24-2. Discriminatory practices prohibited.

No person, being the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement shall directly or indirectly refuse, withhold from, or deny to any person on account of race or color, religion, country of ancestral origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of that public place. No person shall directly or indirectly publish, circulate, issue, display, post, or mail any written, printed or painted communication, notice, or advertisement, to the effect that any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of any public accommodation place shall be refused, withheld from, or denied to any person on account of race or color, religion, country of ancestral origin, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age or that the patronage or custom at that place of any person belonging to or purporting to be of any particular race or color, religion, country of ancestral origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression is unwelcome, objectionable, or not acceptable, desired, or solicited. The production of any written, printed, or painted communication, notice, or advertisement, purporting to relate to any public place and to be made by any person being its owner, lessee, proprietor, superintendent, or manager, shall be presumptive evidence in any action that its production was authorized by that person.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 277, § 27; G.L. 1909, ch. 343, § 28; G.L. 1923, ch. 395, § 28; P.L. 1925, ch. 658, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 606, § 28; P.L. 1952, ch. 2958, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 11-24-2; P.L. 1979, ch. 144, § 5; P.L. 1988, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 5.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-24-2

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-24-2 cover?

Section 11-24-2 ("Hotels and Public Places") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 11-24-2?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-24-2" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 11-24-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.