Will Delaware Deliver?
March 26, 2009
By Marty Rouse, HRC National Field Director: The first state in our Union takes center stage today as the Delaware legislature considers two key bills. The first is a constitutional amendment to define marriage between one man and one woman. The bill was debated in the state Senate yesterday and its prospects are unclear. The second bill to be voted on in the House today is a non-discrimination bill. Unfortunately, the bill does not include gender identity. Yesterday, HRC participated in the first meeting of the GLBT community with recently-elected Governor Jack Markell. Governor Markell, the former state Treasurer, is a strong supporter of the GLBT community. While the results of this session’s bill related to the GLBT community remain unclear at this time, it is clear that we have a strong ally in Governor Markell. Watch the “Small Wonder” of Delaware deliver big for the GLBT community in the near future. Note: Organizations that make up the Equal Rights for All in Delaware Coalition that met with the Governor yesterday include: ACLU of Delaware, AIDS Delaware, Camp Rehoboth, Delaware Stonewall, Delaware LGBT state employees, Delaware Unitarian Universalist Congregations, University of DE LGBT caucus, and HRC. **UPDATE: Read coverage in Wilmington's News-Journal about the action in Delaware:
