via WCAU-TV

Gov. 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.

The bill was previously approved in the state Senate just one week ago.

The bill, SB 30 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.

Religious institutions may choose not to solemnize civil unions.

"We are tremendously proud that the Delaware House has passed civil union legislation," said Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman.

"The fact that the Delaware General Assembly passed civil union legislation on the first attempt is a great testament to how far public opinion has come on equality issues. This is a great day for equality in Delaware," Goodman said.

The bill now goes to Gov. Jack Markell, who is expected to sign it into law. Once signed, it will take effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

“It’s time for this bill to pass. It’s time for the bill to be signed. It’s the right thing to do for the people of Delaware,” said Markell, following the Senate passage last week.

Delaware will be the 8th state to offer civil unions or comprehensive domestic partnerships.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. David Sokola (D-Newark), with about two dozen co-sponsors, would grant same-sex couples the same legal protections and responsibilities as married couples.

The bill authorizes civil unions only for same-sex couples, continuing to limit marriage under Delaware law to opposite-sex couples.

Senate lawmakers rejected two last-minute amendments to the legislation offered by Robert Venables (D-Laurel).

Venables' first amendment would have allowed civil unions for family members, who live together, but aren't romantically involved. The second amendment would have required that a majority of Delaware residents approve civil unions in a statewide referendum before they could take effect.

The bill was approved by a vote of 13-6, and now goes to the Delaware House of Representatives for consideration.

“Today, we applaud the Delaware Senate for valuing all Delaware families," said HRC President Joe Solmonese, in a statement. "We call on the Delaware House to swiftly send the bill to Governor Markell for his signature."

“We are delighted by today's Senate vote and look forward to strong support from our sponsors in the House,” said Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman.

"It's time for this bill to pass. It's time for the bill to be signed. It's the right thing to do for the people of Delaware," said Gov. Jack Markell.

Last month, a Delaware public opinion poll revealed widespread support for civil unions.

According to the poll, more than six out of 10 voters (62%) in Delaware favor allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions, which is twice the number who oppose such a law (31%). The remaining (7%) were undecided.

The bill -- S.B. 30 -- sponsored by Sen. David Sokola (D-Newark North), has more than two dozen co-sponsors.

Committee members heard impassioned testimony from opponents and supporters of the bill, one reading from the Bible, another reading a letter from his son, all saying the state would be significantly changed for the better or the worse. The balcony was packed and so was much of the floor of the Senate chamber.

Mike Bouchard, a New Castle County policeman who is active in his church, told the panel he says goodbye to his partner each morning and lays his life on the line each day for the community. He's honored to do it, he said.

"I hold the highest regard for my position in law enforcement," Bouchard said.

But he had one question for the panel: Why, if he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community, is he not given the same rights as those whose partner is of the opposite sex?

After a two hour hearing, the bill passed out of the senate administrative services committee with the 4 Democrats voting for it and the Republicans taking no position.

According to the poll, more than six out of 10 voters (62%) in Delaware favor allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions, which is twice the number who oppose such a law (31%). The remaining (7%) were undecided.

Lisa Goodman, President of Equality Delaware, said the poll results are very encouraging for the thousands of individuals, children and families who deserve to achieve equality.

“The poll findings are consistent with what we have been hearing for months from citizens up and down the state,” said Goodman. “Delawareans clearly support civil unions as a way to provide equal protections for same-sex families.”

Nearly 700 likely voters in Delaware participated in the poll conducted February 28 through March 6, 2011 by Lake Research Partners, which has a margin of error +/- of less than 4 percent.

Delaware state Rep. Melanie George (D-Bear) and state Sen. David Sokola (D-Newark) are sponsoring legislation to establish civil unions in Delaware -- the bills are expected to be introduced before the Delaware General Assembly on Tuesday, March 22.