600+ AT GOVERNOR'S SIGNING OF CIVIL UNION BILL
The newly renovated "World Cafe Live at the Queen" was rocking as 600 plus Delawareans of all sexes and sexual orientation cheered Governor Jack Markell as he signed into law SB 30, granting Civil Union rights to same-sex couples who obtain licenses and solemnize their relationships. The Bill was introduced in March and received nearly 2/3rds of the vote in first the Senate and then the House adding Delaware to the list of states that offer the same protections and obligations to same-sex couples as are offered by state law to married couple. The law goes into effect January 1, 2012.
The Governor was joined by a score of state legislators, including the bill's prime sponsors: State Senator Dave Sokola, Representative Melanie George and Senator Liane Sorenson (the only Republican senator to vote for the bill). Also in attendance were House Speaker Bob Gilligan, House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf, House Majority Whip Valerie Longhurst and Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose Henry (all are Democrats).
Stonewall was represented by its president, Mitch Crane, also a member of the board of Equality Delaware, board members Steve Kotrch (Executive VP) Peter Schott (Political VP), Larry Peterson (Membership VP), Scott Strickler (Secretary) New Castle County Coordinator Norm Spector, Kent County Coordinator Shirley Semple, and Sussex County Coordinator John Workman, as well as scores of the general membership.
SB 30 marks the third major piece of LGBT legislation passed into law in Delaware since Stonewall-supported progressive Democrats took control of the state house in 2008.
The Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats now turn towards the 2012 elections and the protection of legislators who supported civil unions and who may face tough re-election fights. Stonewall will also be heavily involved in supporting the re-election of Governor Markell who not only supported LGBT legislation, but actively worked to get that legislation passed. Additionally, Stonewall will work to elect qualified LGBT to office in Delaware wherever the opportunity exists.
Stonewall thanks its members and allies for all the hard work that culminated in the celebration in Wilmington.
