[Not a valid template]The Delaware Senate passed same sex marriage legislation, with Gov. Jack Markell signing the legislation at 5:30 p.m. The measure passed 12-9.
Click here for how Senate voted.
The state becomes the 11th in the nation to pass the legislation. Rhode Island, the nation’s smallest state, approved the legislation earlier. Delaware is the second smallest state.
Earlier, the measure passed the House, 23-18.
While opposed by religious and family groups, it did have broad support that included DuPont Co., which publicly expressed support for the measure.
The legislation did take pains to ensure that clergy would not be forced to perform ceremonies, in response to lawsuits that have arisen elsewhere.
Opponents argued that backers of the legislation broke a promise not to proceed with such a measure after civil unions were made legal in the state.
The signing marked a dramatic change from a long period when efforts to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual preference could not get through the General Assembly, with a committee chair, “putting the bill in the desk drawer.”
Maryland earlier passed the legislation last year with voters turning back a referendum effort to repeal the bill.
Public opinion polls have shown growing support for marriage equality.
At the same time, traditional foes saw their ranks in Legislative Hall depleted as Democrats firm control of the House and Senate, following the unpopular Senate candidacy of Christine O’Donnell.
Among the first to issue a statement on the legislation was U.S. Sen. Chris Coons who defeated O’Donnell.
“This 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.”
Today, we wrote a new chapter in our history and proved, once again, justice and equality continue to move forward in Delaware,” said Markell. “In my State of the State earlier this year, I spoke about a Delaware that protects the rights of all of its citizens, no matter whom they love. By signing House Bill 75 into law, we are another step closer towards achieving that goal.”
“Today the state Senate did the right thing,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Denn. “Twenty years from now, our kids will wonder why it was ever an issue.”
The bill, introduced by Rep. Melanie George Smith, D-Bear nd Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, along with co-prime sponsors Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth House Majority Leader Rep. Valerie Longhurst D-Bear, and Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere.
