WILMINGTON, Del. — Gov. Jack Markell on Wednesday evening signed the same-sex civil union bill into law, making Delaware the eighth state to allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
via WCAU-TVGov. Jack Markell, after signing the civil unions bill on May11.
The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012, will allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, giving them all of the rights, benefits, and obligations of marriage under state law, but would not allow them to obtain marriage licenses.
“Tonight, with the signing of this law, we say to any Delawarean regardless of sexual orientation – if you’ve committed yourself to someone, and you’ve made that pledge to spend your life together in partnership, when life or death decisions come, we honor your right to make those decisions together,” Markell said.
The bill cleared the state legislature on April 14 when House members approved the bill on a 26-to-15 vote. The Senate approved the bill the week before.
Filed under: Delaware
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8th state u say, so 42 more to go and all US territories, etc…
thats a start
So we lost Minnesota but gained Delaware?
We lose one and we gain one.
I hope we can change that soon. Delaware need to get back on its reputation for being the First state. But anyway, I love Delaware for making this decision instead of a regressive one like Minnesota did.
As a Minnesotan, I find this news much more comforting than the catastrophe yesterday. Thank you Delaware. :D
Progress!
let the lawsuits ensue. We’ll see how long this one lasts…
Delaware = YAY! Minnesota = BOO!
I hope all my friends in Minnesota are okay. BUT CHEERS FOR THIS
Celebrate all progress. WTG Delaware. They will have Gay Marriage soon too.