Uncategorized

Civil Union Bill Introduced in DE Senate

Yesterday Senator David Sokola (D) introduced a civil union in the Delaware state Senate. The bill would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions and attain some of the same benefits enjoyed by married couples, such as the right to visit a partner in the hospital and the right to make decisions about the partner’s medical care. The bill would not, however, allow same sex couples to obtain marriage licenses. Governor Jack Markell (D) announced his support for the bill.

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated, “Today, members of the Delaware Senate have put forth a solid plan for providing critical benefits to same-sex couples and their children. Now is the time to treat all Delaware families with equality and we call on the Delaware legislature to swiftly pass the civil unions bill.”

Currently, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington DC allow marriage of same-sex couples. Six states, California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii allow same-sex couples to form civil unions or domestic partnerships, which carry some of the legal benefits of marriage.

Sources:

Human Rights Campaign Statement 3/22/11; Associated Press 3/22/11

Support eh ERA banner