2701
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Apr 21, 2011
A bill to make Delaware the eighth state to allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples has cleared the legislature and Gov. Jack Markell said he looks forward to signing the measure into law.
House members debated for about three hours and rejected nine amendments before approving the bill last week on a 26-to-15 vote, prompting supporters in the balcony to erupt in cheers and applause. The senate approved the bill earlier in the month.
Opponents warned that the bill carries unintended consequences that will result in confusion in family law courts and likely will lead to lawsuits over religious liberties for those opposed to same-sex unions.
“Mark my words, there will be litigation over this,” said Douglas Napier, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative religious rights organization.
With Markell’s signature, the bill would take effect Jan. 1. The legislation gives gay couples the same rights and obligations of those who are married. But it makes clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. Five other states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.
“I think it’s time for this bill to be passed, and it’s going to be good for so many Delawareans for years to come,” said Markell, a Democrat. “I’m really pleased with it.”
Supporters said the measure provides equal rights for homosexuals in committed relationships.
“We were all created with special, unique, beautiful differences,” said chief house sponsor Rep. Melanie George, D-Bear. “Our government respects those differences.”
Others argue it is a prelude to establishing gay marriage in the small state of about 885,000 people.
“Don’t be deceived. This bill is a precursor to same-sex marriage,” Napier said.
Lawmakers voted mostly along party lines April 14, with Democrats in favor and Republicans voting for amendments opposed by the bill’s proponents.
Eight of the nine amendments were offered by GOP lawmakers, including two similar to those that were rejected in the Senate. One would have authorized civil unions for opposite-sex couple but not those of the same sex. The other would have required that Delaware voters approve civil unions in a statewide referendum before they could take effect.
From AP and WiG reports
