Delaware

Hawaii and Delaware join the list of states which recognize same-sex civil unions. Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island already recognize civil unions providing state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples. Six other states and Washington, D.C. allow same-sex marriage - creating a patchwork of U.S. legislation for same-sex couples who want to legalize their unions. Marriage licenses are given to same-sex couples in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and D.C. California's struggle for marriage equality is stayed pending an appeal.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has signed a bill into law that gives same-sex couples legal protections and recognition beginning in 2012. Markell says that for the children of gay and lesbian parents, the law will recognize their families with equality. The Governor said the legislation is a historic moment for the state. He says it serves the greater good to speak out and oppose bias, prejudice or outdated laws that "lessen any one of us." It makes Delaware the eighth state to allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, and takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

A bill offering legal recognition to same-sex couples in Delaware has been sent to the full Senate for a vote on whether to establish civil unions in that state. The bill limits same-sex couples to entering civil unions and keeps marriage limited for opposite-sex couples. The Rev. Dr. Douglas Gerdts, pastor of First and Central Presbyterian Church and the father of a gay daughter, urged lawmakers to support the bill.

Gay City News reports that the Delaware Supreme Court unanimously ruled on February 3 that the lesbian co-parent of a child adopted by her partner did not have standing to seek custody or visitation when she and her partner ended their relationship 13 months after her partner adopted their child.

"I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination."

Read the full speech.

8/23/2008
Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden believes same-sex unions are inevitable. But he does not support gay "marriage"

Self-appointed moralists should end their fight against gay and lesbian parents. The Washington Post explains same-sex parenting is a done deal.