DELAWARE: Legislature Approves Study To Implement Digital Driver's Licenses

Several states are looking into digitizing driver's licenses for display on smartphones and Delaware wants to be the first to implement the system. Via the Washington Post:

The Delaware legislature passed a bill last week asking the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles to “study and consider issuing” digital driver’s licenses that could replace the traditional plastic ones. This bill notes that since people in the state are already using their phones for things such as working and banking, so giving them the option for a digital driver’s license could be a way of “increasing convenience” for drivers in the state. And it would just be an option, giving drivers the choice of loading it on their phone or sticking with the plastic card wedged into a wallet. The First State isn’t the first to suggest such an idea — Iowa said last month it planned to have a pilot program testing smartphone driver’s licenses — but Delaware wants to beat them out of the gate, if possible. “We’d like to go first,” said Jennifer Cohan, head of the state’s motor vehicle division, told DelawareOnline. “If it works for Delaware, then it will be a new option for Delaware citizens to show proof of driver’s license and identification.”

The above-linked story points out obvious issues with the plan, noting that a driver pulled over with a dead phone would be a driver without a license. Also of concern are privacy issues - some would be hesitant to hand over their "digital diary" to a police officer.

DELAWARE: Deputy AG Charged With Rape Of Teen He Met On Grindr

Delaware Deputy Attorney General Daniel Simmons has been charged with the rape of a 16 year-old he met on Grindr.

New Castle County police say 34-year-old Daniel Simmons faces four counts of fourth-degree rape. Simmons is a deputy attorney general assigned to the county's Misdemeanor Trial Unit. Police say Simmons met the boy through a social media app called Grindr and not during the performance of his public duties. The attorney general's office says in a statement that Simmons has been placed on administrative leave. The office approved warrants for Simmons' arrest on Friday. Attorney General Beau Biden did not make any comments.

News reports do not state whether Simmons knew of the boy's age or how the charges came to be brought. According to Delaware law, among the conditions for a fourth-degree rape charge is when the victim is under 18, the perpetrator is over 30, and the two are not married. Class C felonies are punishable in Delaware by up to 15 years in prison.

Gay Pride Parades Are Lewd Displays

We'll have to save this one for when the usual screamers launch their complaint campaigns in June.

DELAWARE: Openly Gay State Senator Marries In State's First Gay Wedding

The Associated Press reports:

Two silver-haired women made Delaware history Monday, becoming the first same-sex couple to legally wed under the state's new gay marriage law. Democratic state Sen. Karen Peterson and her longtime partner, Vikki Bandy, both 63, exchanged vows in front of about 35 friends and supporters in a county clerk's office, converting their civil union into a same-sex marriage. "I, Vikki, take you for my lawfully wedded wife," Bandy said as she and Peterson held hands. Peterson responded in kind, both women putting exaggerated emphasis on the word "lawfully." Standing in front of a painted backdrop of an oceanside verandah, the two then exchanged rings, as New Castle County clerk of the peace Ken Boulden looked on.

Congratulations, ladies.

DELAWARE: Transgender Rights Bill Signed Into Law By Gov. Jack Markell

This afternoon Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a transgender rights bill into law hours after it was approved by the state Senate.  The Washington Blade reports:

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell on Wednesday signed a bill that will add gender identity and expression to his state’s anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws. “Discrimination on basis of gender identity is inherently wrong,” he said. “Legislation to prohibit it is inherently right.” The state Senate by an 11-9 vote margin earlier in the day approved an amended version of Senate Bill 97 that passed in the Delaware House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The Task Force reacts via press release:

Until today, Delaware was one of five states in the nation that had nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation but not on the basis of gender identity. The other states still left are Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Maryland and New York. The Task Force is committed to ensuring protections in those states as well as passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to provide federal employment protections.

The HRC reacts via press release:

“The Delaware Legislature sent a clear message today that transgender residents deserve to be treated equally and protected under the law,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Delaware advocates and lawmakers are standing up and ensuring that the First State is one which welcomes all people, and provides the same protections and opportunities.” “Equality Delaware is so grateful for the support and expertise of HRC in helping us pass the Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Bill,” said Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman. “HRC stayed on the ground in Delaware through the entire process and was invaluable in helping us attain these protections for transgender Delawareans.”

RELATED: An updated version of New York state's transgender rights bill, GENDA, was introduced three days ago. The bill has passed in the state Assembly six times, but continues to faces challenges in the state Senate. Supporters say they are optimistic about the bill's chances this time.

Headline Of The Day

Details. (Tipped by JMG reader Steve)

Christian Post Headline Of The Day

An entirely calm and reasonable analysis.

NOM Cheers Pat Brady's Resignation

"Brady fell into the lie that Republicans do not care about marriage and won't take vigorous action against those in their party who abandon marriage. Brady has quickly learned his lesson. Other Republicans who are tempted to abandon the party platform on marriage should take note or they will also risk their political careers. The pro-marriage GOP grassroots in Illinois and around the country ought to be commended for this victory. Their persistence and commitment to conservative principles — including the critical institution of marriage — is what led to this victory. May this inspire other GOP activists across the country to continue fighting to protect marriage and preserve winning conservative principles." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, who rilly rilly doesn't have much else to cheer about these days.

DE Gov. Jack Markell Chats About Win

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell joined a Google+ video chat last night immediately after signing the marriage equality bill.

Delaware Gives Freepers The Sadz

From the comments in their Homosexual Agenda forum.

Updated Marriage Gif

Source.

DELAWARE: And It's DONE

"I do not intend to make any of you wait one minute longer." - Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, as he signed the marriage equality bill.

Manhattan Declaration Has The Sadz

DE Governor To Sign Marriage Bill TODAY

Marriages will commence in Delaware even before Rhode Island. Cartoon source.

LIVE AUDIO: Delaware Final Marriage VoteUPDATE: Marriage WINS By 12-9 Vote!!! Delaware To Become 11th State!!!

Listen live here. The Senate audio link is at the bottom left. Things are set to begin shortly...

UPDATE: Delaware Liberal provides a final encouraging forecast.  

UPDATE II: Here's a twist nobody seems to have expected.

TODAY: Final Delaware Marriage Vote

Today the full Delaware Senate will make the final vote on marriage equality.  The bill passed out of its Senate committee last week and passed 23-18 in the House late last month. Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill should it reach his desk. Cross your fingers, kids.  It's going to be very close.

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "Another state finally recognizes the freedom to marry, bringing the national total to ten. With work accelerating in Delaware and Illinois, that could increase to eleven or twelve in the next few weeks. Civil unions start in Colorado, and a civil union bill in tiny Arizona town could bring about civil unions for the whole state."

TUESDAY: Final Delaware Marriage Vote

Delaware Liberal reports that the full state Senate will make the final vote on same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Last week one state Senator flipped into the "yes" column, but a win is still not in the bag.   Delaware readers, please reach out to your state Senator this morning even if their "yes" vote has already been predicted.

DELAWARE: Senate Committee Hears Marriage Equality Bill TodayUPDATE: The Bill Has PASSED 4-2

The Delaware Senate Executive Committee will hear its marriage equality bill today at 2:30pm at a special session where it's the only item on the agenda. The bill is expected to pass 4-2 in committee, but faces a tight vote in the full chamber. Last week we got some good news when one state Senator flipped into the "yes" column, but the latest head count shows the bill only squeaking by 11-10 in the full chamber, with three Democrats opposed. That's not guaranteed, of course. The bill passed 23-18 in the Delaware House last Tuesday and Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign it. Delaware readers, please reach out to your state Senator this morning even if their "yes" vote has already been predicted.

UPDATE: The debate has begun. Listen live here.

UPDATE II: The committee has PASSED the bill by 4-2. Onward to the full Senate!

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "We're celebrating some major victories with week, with two more states about to gain the freedom to marry. Civil unions begin in Colorado, and voters appear ready to upgrade that to marriage. Plus, legislation advances in Pennsylvania and Nevada."