Delaware's Senate passes civil unions bill, 13 to 6

This matter now goes to the state House, and the bill is supported by Gov. Jack Mackell.  (The Advocate):

"Lawmakers defeated two last-minute amendments to the legislation offered by Laurel Democrat Robert Venables," reports the AP. "One would have allowed civil unions for heterosexual couples as well as homosexuals. The other would have required that a majority of Delaware residents approve civil unions in a statewide referendum before they could take effect."

The measure, introduced by Senator David Sokola and Representative Melanie George, would only allow civil unions for same-sex couples in Delaware. Similar legal unions from other jurisdictions would be recognized as civil unions in Delaware.

HRC released this statement:

"Today, we applaud the Delaware Senate for valuing all Delaware families," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We call on the Delaware House to swiftly send the bill to Governor Markell for his signature."

"We are delighted by today's Senate vote and look forward to strong support from our sponsors in the House," said Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman.

SB 30, was introduced by Senator David Sokola and Representative Melanie George. The bill would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions giving them all of the rights, benefits, and obligations of marriage under state law, but would not allow same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses. Religious institutions may choose not to solemnize civil unions.

Currently, five states have laws providing an expansive form of state-level relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples, without offering marriage.  California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington provide same-sex couples with access to almost of all the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Earlier this year, the governors of Hawaii and Illinois signed into law civil unions bills. Couples in Illinois can begin applying for civil union licenses on June 1, 2011 and in Hawaii couples can begin applying on Jan. 1, 2012.

Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state.  For an electronic map showing where marriage equality stands in the states, please visit: www.HRC.org/State_Laws.

So if all goes well,  now when we go to visit  Mr. E. and Mr. C in Delaware, our Canadian marriage will be a civil union. When we fly home to NC, nada. But it's always nice to report progress