Governor Jack Markell signed the same-sex civil union bill into law Wednesday night, making Delaware the eighth state to allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
The signing ceremony took place at a packed World Cafe Live in Wilmington.
"Tonight, with the signing of this law, we say to any Delawarean, regardless of sexual orientation -- if you've committed yourself to someone and you've made that pledge to spend your life together in partnership, when life or death decisions come, we honor your right to make those decisions together," Markell said, according to The News Journal.
The bill cleared the state legislature on April 14 when House members debated for about three hours and rejected nine amendments before approving the bill on a 26-to-15 vote. That prompted supporters in the balcony to erupt in cheers and applause. The Senate approved the bill the week before.
Opponents warned that the bill carries unintended consequences that will result in confusion in family law courts and likely will lead to lawsuits over religious liberties for those opposed to same-sex unions.
“Mark my words, there will be litigation over this,” said Douglas Napier, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative religious rights organization.
With Markell's signature, the bill becomes law on Jan. 1, 2012. It gives gay couples the same rights and obligations as married couples. But it makes clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. Five other states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.
“I think it's time for this bill to be passed, and it's going to be good for so many Delawareans for years to come,” said Markell, a Democrat. “I'm really pleased with it.”
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Supporters say the measure provides equal rights for homosexuals in committed relationships.
“We were all created with special, unique, beautiful differences,” said chief House sponsor Rep. Melanie George, D-Bear. “Our government respects those differences.”
Others argue it is a prelude to establishing gay marriage in the small state of about 885,000 people.
"Don't be deceived. This bill is a precursor to same-sex marriage,” Napier said.
Lawmakers voted mostly along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans voting for amendments opposed by the bill proponents.
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