Rep. Melanie George Smith, D-Bear, sponsor for House Bill 75 for same-sex marriage equality, defends the legislation during its hearing on the floor of the state’s House of Representatives Tuesday. The bill passed the House by a vote of 23-18. (Delaware State News/Jen Rini)
The Delaware House of Representatives on Tuesday (23 April) voted 23-18 to pass a marriage equality bill that now moves on to the State Senate for consideration.
Senate passage should be promising since that legislative body is dominated by Democrats 13-8.
Governor Jack Markell stated earlier this month that he will sign marriage equality into law if it passed both houses of the legislature.
Markell had previously stated: ‘All Delawareans deserve the same dignity and respect when it comes to their most important, loving relationship. For that reason, I am proud to support marriage equality.’
A March poll, commissioned by Equality Delaware, shows state voters support marriage rights for LGBT couples.
Author: GREG HERNANDEZ
Publication: Gay Star News
Publication Date: April 23 2013