The marriage bill passed the State Senate by a vote of 12 to 9 Tuesday afternoon.Not only does legalized same-sex marriage not demean or diminish my different-sex marriage, I am of the very firm opinion that expanding legal access to marriage makes my marriage worth more, not less, by virtue of the value conferred by inclusivity.
"It's a great day in Delaware," said Gov. Jack Markell, a Democrat, who signed it within minutes of passage before an overjoyed crowd of activists. "I am signing this bill now because I do not intend to make any of you wait one moment longer."
Same-sex couples will be eligible for marriage licenses on July 1.
Delaware adopted same-sex marriage just five days after a similar decision in Rhode Island and after ballot-box victories last fall in Maine, Maryland and Washington.
During three hours of emotional debate before the vote Tuesday, State Senator Karen Peterson, a Democrat, said she had lived with a female partner for 24 years, and she challenged opponents of extending marriage to gay couples. "If my happiness somehow demeans or diminishes your marriage, then you need to work on your marriage," she said, eliciting cheers and laughter.
I have absolutely none of the desperate insecurity held by privileged bigots about their super-special relationships losing the shimmering, golden glow that only denying equality to same-sex couples conveys upon their gloriously gilded unions. They want marriage to be a members-only country club. I want it to be a rave under the stars across an expansive desert, to which anyone who wants to dance has an invite.
Welcome to the party, Delaware.
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