Delaware could become the 10th U.S. state to extend marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples, as Governor Jack Markell announced a bill on Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage.
Markell, a Democrat, made the announcement at an afternoon press conference, where he was joined by state Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia Blevins, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Attorney General Beau Biden, Markell’s office said.
“What we know is same-sex couples want to get married for the same reason that other couples want to get married,” Markell said in a telephone interview.
Markell said that while he was confident that the bill would pass, “nothing is sure until it’s done.”
In 2011, Markell signed into law a bill authorizing civil unions for same-sex couples.
Nine states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington.
Same-sex marriage bills are also under consideration in Minnesota, Rhode Island and Illinois, according to the group Freedom to Marry.
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a legal challenge to a 1996 law that restricts federal recognition of marriage to heterosexual couples.
Pray that the people of Delaware will rise up against this atrocity in thier midst. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict the legislators and take the veil off the eyes of those who are standing for this bill.
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