Delaware AG Biden joins marriage equality fight

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden is one of 14 AG’s to file legal briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of efforts to allow same-sex couples to marry.

The first amicus brief, filed today, argues that California’s Proposition 8 that bans same-sex marriage is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.  Tomorrow, the AG’s will file another amicus brief that challenges the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

“Marriage equality is one of the most important civil rights issues of our time,” said Biden.  “The belief that everyone is equal under the law is at the core of our democracy.  That belief, and the equality and the freedom that go along with it, makes America great.”

Equality Delaware’s Lisa Goodman joined Biden as he announced the filing.  “This brief that is being filed today makes it very clear that marriage is good for all families.  Not just for some families, but marriage is good for all children, not just for some children.”  She’s optimistic the Supreme Court will rule in their favor.  “We look forward to the court siding with equality as the Supreme Court almost always has in the past, and we look forward to marriage becoming a reality in Delaware this session in front of our General Assembly.”

Equality Delaware is in the middle of a major campaign to get state lawmakers to approve same-sex marriage this year.  Earlier this month, several major labor unions in the state threw their support behind the effort, and Governor Markell alluded to his support for same-sex marriage in his Inaugural Address.  “We will advance the cause of liberty, equality and dignity in our time,” Markell said in January. “Our state will be a welcoming place to live, to love and to raise families for all who choose to call Delaware home.”