DE Marriage Bill To Be Intro'd Today

A marriage equality bill will be introduced in Delaware today.

Gov. Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden planned to join lawmakers Thursday in Wilmington to announce the filing of the legislation. Crafting of the bill has been led by members of the gay rights group Equality Delaware. Markell has pledged to sign the bill if it passes the General Assembly, where it has the support of Democratic leaders in both chambers. In 2011, Markell signed a bill authorizing same-sex civil unions in Delaware, effective last year.

The Washington Blade has more.

“We want to make sure that everything is lined up that we’ve got a bill that’s legally and technically perfect that way there can be no question,” [Rep. Melanie] Smith said. “It’s such a controversial issue from some people’s perspective that we don’t want folks picking apart the bill on technical matters or anything along those lines. Attorney General Beau Biden; U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper; Congressman John Carney and John Fluharty, the gay executive director of the Delaware Republican Party, are among those who support nuptials for gays and lesbians.