Senator Chris Coons (D. DE) published an article on Huffington Post today stating that the first state is ready to fight for marriage equality:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
This is going to be a big year for equality in this country. As a nation, we're poised to make historic progress, and in Delaware, we have the opportunity to make sure that everyone has the same right to marry the person they love.
Equality is the birthright of every American, and it's up to all of us to work to ensure that everyone -- no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity -- can access the equal rights and protections due every American.
Delaware legalized civil unions for same-sex couples in 2011, and I was proud to stand with two close friends at their wedding the same day the law went into effect. They were the first couple in our state to get married under the new law.
It was a beautiful New Year's Day service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The pews were packed with loved ones -- family members, friends, neighbors, and members of the congregation. The couple's kids stood at their sides.
"Just as every marriage performed in this church has been," I said in my sermon, "this union is about two people who proudly and passionately love each other celebrating that love and demonstrating their commitment to one another in front of God, their families, their friends, and our community."
Winning civil unions in Delaware was a critical brick on the path to full equality, but it only got us part of the way. Civil unions still relegate gay and lesbian couples to a second-class status that ought not be acceptable in this country.
We're trying to fix that in Delaware.
We've done a whip count and, frankly, if the Delaware General Assembly's vote on marriage equality were held today, it would be close. Really close. The organization leading the fight here, Equality Delaware, has my full support, but it needs the support of allies around the country, too. - Huffington Post, 4/5/13
Coons' has made his support for marriage equality to happen in Delaware and you can sign Conns' petition expressing your support for marriage equality in Delaware here:
http://tools.chriscoons.com/...
You also get involved with the organization Equality Delaware here:
http://www.equalitydelaware.org/...
I believe Coons when he says that marriage equality will become a reality this year, especially with the entire Delaware delegation voice it's support:
http://thinkprogress.org/...
The state of Delaware’s only member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. John Carney (D), expressed his full support for marriage equality on Monday:
I’ve supported Delaware’s journey toward marriage equality because I believe the law should recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples. As a Catholic and as an elected official, I’ve been dedicated to striking the balance between honoring the religious sacrament of marriage, while allowing same-sex couples to enjoy legal recognition of their committed relationships. [...]
I continue to respect and support the rights of religious institutions to define marriage in accordance with the tenets of their faith. However, I do not believe it is right for the government to treat couples differently based on their sexual orientation. Marriage equality will ensure that same-sex couples in Delaware receive the same treatment under the law. - Think Progress, 4/2/13
http://www.delmarvanow.com/...
Sen. Tom Carper announced his support for gay marriage Tuesday, saying his opinion on the issue has evolved.
The Delaware Democrat said on his Facebook page he made his decision “after a great deal of soul-searching.”
He follows fellow Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, who also announced his support for gay marriage this week. Seven Democratic senators have not yet endorsed gay marriage.
“As our society has changed and evolved, so too has the public’s opinion on gay marriage — and so has mine,” Carper said in his statement on Facebook. “I pray every day for God to grant me the wisdom to do what is right. Through my prayers and conversations with my family and countless friends and Delawareans, I’ve been reminded of the power of one of my core values: the Golden Rule. It calls on us to treat others as we want to be treated.
“That means, to me, that all Americans ultimately should be free to marry the people they love and intend to share their lives with, regardless of their sexual orientation, and that’s why today, after a great deal of soul searching, I’m endorsing marriage equality,” he wrote. - Delmarva Now, 4/2/13
Again, if you would like to get involved with Equality Delaware, please go here:
http://www.equalitydelaware.org/...
And if you would like to contribute to Senator Coons' re-election campaign, you can do so here:
https://secure.actblue.com/...