Delaware Senate Panel Advances Marriage Equality Bill in 4-2 Vote

Delaware's Senate Executive Committee has advanced HB75, the marriage equaility bill, in a 4-2 vote. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.

Delaware Senate Panel to Take Up Marriage Equality Bill Today

The Delaware Senate Executive Committee is taking up the marriage equality bill at 2:30 pm today.

The AP reports: "The measure narrowly won passage in the House last week. Supporters and opponents expect another close vote if the Senate Executive Committee votes Wednesday to send it to the full Senate for consideration."

There may be an audio link at this page when they convene for those interested in listening.

Delaware Church Registers Its Opposition to Marriage Equality with Flashy Symbol Sign: PHOTO

Twitter user Zafo Jones shares a church sign from Bear, Delaware. Delaware, of course, has a marriage equality bill pending in its legislature.

Writes Jeremy Hooper of the sign: "Which is kind of like saying Vegetarianism > Oxygen. The former is a choice for every American citizen; the latter we all share, regardless of or individual commitments."

Delaware House Passes Marriage Equality Bill in 23-18 Vote

Delaware's House has approved HB 75, the marriage equality bill, in a 23-18 vote.

The bill now moves to Senate consideration.

Equality Delaware asks residents to contact their legislators here.

The Delaware Senate currently has a 13-8 split in favor of Democrats. Governor Jack Markell has promised to sign legislation if it hits his desk.

Listen to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Melanie George Smith, speak today on the House floor, AFTER THE JUMP...

Listen LIVE: Delaware's House Debate and Vote on Marriage Equality

Debate on a marriage equality bill is currently underway in Delaware's House of Representatives.

Listen live HERE.

Delaware House to Vote on Marriage Equality Today

Delaware's House is set to debate and vote on marriage equality today.

The legislation, HB75, was introduced two weeks ago by Delaware State Rep. Melanie George Smith (D-Bear). It was advanced last week by the Delaware House Administration Committee in a 4-1 vote. Governor Jack Markell has promised to sign a bill if it hits his desk.

Bear believes the bill has the votes to pass: "I’m confident that we have a majority of Delaware representatives — so over 21 out of the 41 — that will do the right thing and vote to support equality in Delaware."

Stay tuned for updates on Towleroad as this develops.