Delaware lawmakers consider Constitutional ban on gay marriage

By: Tasha Jamerson

The marriage debate is heating up in the delaware state capitol. State law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Now some delaware lawmakers want to amend the state constitution to make sure it stays that way.

By: Tasha Jamerson
tjamerson@whyy.org

The marriage debate is heating up in the Delaware state capitol. State law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Now some Delaware lawmakers want to amend the state constitution to make sure it stays that way.

Listen:
[audio: reports20090326wed.mp3]

From floor to ceiling the senate chamber at the capitol overflowed with opinions, emotions and passionate differences…all on a proposed amendment to the constitution defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Richard Thompson came with his church in favor of the bill.

Thompson: I hope they pass this bill that they make this man and woman not man and man or woman and woman.

Anne Pikolas says the bill is unnecessary and hurtful.

Pikolas: We own a home, we pay taxes I’m just like any other couple that’s married and we’re not hurting anyone else by being with my partner.

The bill did get the necessary signatures, and they plan on bringing it before the legislature tomorrow. In order to pass it needs a two thirds vote. This is just the first part of the amendment process. If it does pass it would need to be approved again in the next legislative session, and the earliest that would happen is 2011.