Signed by Governor Jack Markell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes same-sex marriage.

Highlights:

• Repeals the prohibition of marriage between 2 individuals of the same gender, effective July 1, 2013 (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual who is authorized to solemnize a marriage from being required to solemnize any marriage (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits any fine or penalty from being applied to an individual who refuses to solemnize a marriage (Sec. 2).

• Requires all laws applicable to marriage, married spouses, or children of married spouses to be applied equally to same-gender and different gender married couples and their children (Sec. 4). 

• Requires a couple with a legal union which was validly formed in another state to be subject to the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities imposed upon married spouses in Delaware (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits civil unions from being licensed, entered into, or solemnized on or after July 1, 2013 (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes the individuals in a civil union to have their civil union legally converted to a marriage between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014 (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that a civil union that has not been converted into marriage as of July 1, 2014, will be automatically converted to marriage by law, unless the civil union is in the process of being dissolved, annulled, or legally separated (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes same-sex marriage.

Highlights:

• Repeals the prohibition of marriage between 2 individuals of the same gender, effective July 1, 2013 (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual who is authorized to solemnize a marriage from being required to solemnize any marriage (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits any fine or penalty from being applied to an individual who refuses to solemnize a marriage (Sec. 2).

• Requires all laws applicable to marriage, married spouses, or children of married spouses to be applied equally to same-gender and different gender married couples and their children (Sec. 4). 

• Requires a couple with a legal union which was validly formed in another state to be subject to the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities imposed upon married spouses in Delaware (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits civil unions from being licensed, entered into, or solemnized on or after July 1, 2013 (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes the individuals in a civil union to have their civil union legally converted to a marriage between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014 (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that a civil union that has not been converted into marriage as of July 1, 2014, will be automatically converted to marriage by law, unless the civil union is in the process of being dissolved, annulled, or legally separated (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text