Delaware Governor Signs Law Officially Legalizing Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

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DOVER, Del. – Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a law legalizing marriage for same-sex couples today. Markell signed the bill shortly after its passage by the state legislature.

Delaware is now the 11th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to recognize marriage for same-sex couples. It joins Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Washington, New York, Iowa, and as of last week, Rhode Island.

"Today marks a historic day for Delawareans who have shown their support and commitment to fairness and equality," said Kathleen McRae, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware. "We are proud to have worked with so many dedicated partners to reach this moment."

"The fight to achieve the freedom to marry for loving and committed couples across the country took another proud step forward today in Delaware," said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. "It is incredibly gratifying to see years of hard work paying off as more Americans embrace the idea that all families deserve the recognition and protection that only comes with marriage."