Signed by Governor Jack Markell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes same-sex couples to form civil unions with the same benefits, rights, protections, and responsibilities of marriage, beginning January 1, 2012.

Highlights:

• Authorizes 2 individuals to enter into a civil union if they meet the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• They are not already in a civil union with a different person;
• They are not married;
• They are not in a legal relationship similar to a civil union with a different person, including, but not limited to, a domestic partnership;
• They are at least 18 years of age;
• They are the same sex; and
• They are not related to each other.

• Prohibits an individual from being required to solemnize a civil union (Sec. 1). -Specifies that same-sex legal unions performed in other jurisdictions are to be recognized as valid civil unions in Delaware (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes same-sex couples to form civil unions with the same benefits, rights, protections, and responsibilities of marriage, beginning January 1, 2012.

Highlights:

• Authorizes 2 individuals to enter into a civil union if they meet the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• They are not already in a civil union with a different person;
• They are not married;
• They are not in a legal relationship similar to a civil union with a different person, including, but not limited to, a domestic partnership;
• They are at least 18 years of age;
• They are the same sex; and
• They are not related to each other.

• Prohibits an individual from being required to solemnize a civil union (Sec. 1). -Specifies that same-sex legal unions performed in other jurisdictions are to be recognized as valid civil unions in Delaware (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text