Civil Unions Now Legal in Delaware

Governor Jack Markell signs bill in party-like ceremony
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted May 12, 2011 6:48 AM CDT
Civil Unions Now Legal in Delaware
A rainbow flag flies below the American flag in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Governor Jack Markell signed a law granting same-sex couples the right to form civil unions in Delaware last night, in a packed and celebratory event at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington. “Tonight, we say to loving and committed couples across the state … ‘Your love is equally valid and deserving, your family is now equal under the law,’” Markell declared before a cheering crowd of more than 600, the Daily Times reports.

The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware performed, and flutes of champagne completed the festive atmosphere. The law makes Delaware the eighth state to allow civil unions, effective Jan. 1, 2012, according to the AP. It passed both chambers of Delaware’s legislature by almost 2-to-1 margins. (More Delaware stories.)

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