Just days after Rhode Island took the same steps, Delaware has become the 11th state, and the second Mid-Atlantic state, to legalize same-sex marriage:
The gay marriage bill has passed the Senate this afternoon with a vote of 12-9.
The bill, which already passed the House on April 23, was signed by Gov. Jack Markell shortly after as legislators and gay rights activists crowded around the governor on the steps of Legislative Hall.
Delaware will become the 11th state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage when the law goes into effect July 1.
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said in a statement this afternoon that the bill “ushers in a new era of equality in our state.”
his is a truly historic day for our state,” Coons said. “Today’s vote was about dignity, respect, and basic human fairness for our neighbors. Every Delawarean deserves access to the full rights and responsibilities of marriage, no matter their sexual orientation. The passage of HB 75 ushers in a new era of equality in our state and marks an important moment in our state’s history. I am incredibly proud.”
“I think this is the right thing for Delaware,” Markell said after the vote, while posing for pictures with supporters outside his legislative office. “It took an incredible team effort.”
Gay rights activists and their supporters in the chamber erupted in cheers and applause following the Senate vote.
Delaware’s same-sex marriage bill was introduced in the Democrat-controlled legislature last month, barely a year after the state began recognizing same-sex civil unions. The bill won passage two weeks ago in the state House on a 23-18 vote.
Nice work, Delaware.
