The Progressive

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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Rebecca Girten, ACLU of Delaware, 302-654-5326
Robyn Shepherd, ACLU national, 212-519-7829 or 549-2666, media@aclu.org

Delaware Governor Signs Law Officially Legalizing Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

DOVER, Del.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a law legalizing marriage for same-sex couples today. Markell signed the bill shortly after its passage by the state legislature.

Delaware is now the 11th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to recognize marriage for same-sex couples. It joins Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Washington, New York, Iowa, and as of last week, Rhode Island.

"Today marks a historic day for Delawareans who have shown their support and commitment to fairness and equality," said Kathleen McRae, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware. "We are proud to have worked with so many dedicated partners to reach this moment."

"The fight to achieve the freedom to marry for loving and committed couples across the country took another proud step forward today in Delaware," said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. "It is incredibly gratifying to see years of hard work paying off as more Americans embrace the idea that all families deserve the recognition and protection that only comes with marriage."

The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920 and is our nation's guardian of liberty. The ACLU works in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

(212) 549-2666