Delaware reaction to Supreme Court same sex marriage ruling

Delawarean officials from both parties applauded the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality.

Delaware was the 11the state to approve same sex marriage. Governor Jack Markell signed the legislation in May 2013.  The first marriages took affect on July 1 of that year. 

Reacting to the court ruling, Governor Markell applauded the Supreme Court’s decision, which follows in the footsteps of legal provisions already in place in Delaware.  In a written statement Governor Markell wrote, “The Supreme Court’s decision affirms what Delaware recognized in our state’s successful push for marriage equality. Equality under the law means honoring the loving relationships of all couples and their families. I’m proud that today our country has taken another important step in our unending quest to live up to our values and become a more perfect union.”

“All Americans now have the right to marry the person they love.”  Senator Tom Carper. D-Delaware, released in a statement today.  While commending the ruling, Senator Chris Coons said the push for equality is not over, “So while I’m thrilled with today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, the work goes on and I, for one, will not stop fighting for equality until it is guaranteed, in every way, in every state, for all Americans.” In a statement from Congressman John Carney he wrote, “At its core, marriage is about love and commitment, and the Supreme Court affirmed that today.”

The 5-4  same sex marriage ruling remains a hot button issue in America.  John Fluharty, Executive Director of the Delaware Republican Party, is openly gay. Despite his party’s opposition, he contends the GOP’s attitude towards gay marriage is indeed changing. According to Fluharty, “While the GOP coalition is not united, the Republican Party had begun to change on the issue of marriage equality before today’s ruling. The fact is that 43 percent of Republicans believe same sex couples should have the same legal rights as heterosexuals — an 11-point increase since 2013.”

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