Delaware governor signs civil unions bill |
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Seattle Gay News
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posted Friday, May 13, 2011 - Volume 39 Issue 19 Delaware governor signs civil unions billby Mike Andrew - SGN Staff Writer Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a civil unions bill into law on May 11. 'Tonight, we say to loving and committed couples across the state who want the law to endorse the promise that they made long ago in their hearts, 'Your love is equally valid and deserving. Your family is now equal under the law,' Markell told the cheering crowd which had gathered to witness the signing. 'Tonight, we say to children of Gay and Lesbian parents in committed relationships all over our state - and there are so many wonderful kids, including many here tonight, growing up in those families all over our state - we say to you, 'It doesn't matter if your parents are Gay or straight & you are a family.' And while we've known it, and you've known it for years, tonight, that equality becomes real under law.' After decades of organizing by LGBT rights activists, the civil unions bill seemed to fly through the Legislature, moving from its filing date to final passage on April 14 in less than four weeks. The bill passed by large margins in both houses of Delaware's legislature - 13-6 in the Senate and 26-15 in the House of Representatives. Delaware now becomes the eighth state to grant comprehensive same-sex relationship rights through equal marriage laws, civil unions, or domestic partnerships. Delaware passed a state version of DOMA in 1996, and that law remains in effect. Equality Delaware, the state's leading LGBT rights organization, sought a civil unions law to avoid a potentially brutal battle over what constitutes a 'marriage.' 'We're saying thank you one more time,' Lisa Goodman, president of Equality Delaware, told the 600 people gathered for the signing. 'Because, as we tell our children, you can never say it enough. We will have the same protections, obligations, and benefits that all other couples in Delaware are able to enjoy.' 'The governor's signature on this legislation moves same-sex couples in Delaware closer to equality. It will help ensure loving, committed couples have access to important rights, protections, and security currently afforded other families,' NGLTF Executive Director Rea Carey said in a statement. 'Let's be clear, it is not a substitute for full legal marriage, but it provides fundamental security for same-sex couples that will allow them to take care of each other and their families.' Markell, a Democrat, has championed LGBT rights throughout his public service career. He was elected governor in 2008 with 67.5% of the vote. |
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