Another State Legalizes Same-Sex Civil Unions

Another small step has been taken to assure equal rights for all Americans. Last month the Delaware legislature passed a bill guaranteeing the right of same-sex couples to a "civil union" (which would give them the same rights and protections of a married couple). Governor Markell has now signed the bill into law, and it will go into effect on January 1st.

Markell said, "This bill is about a new energy and excitement. It's about a moment in our history that came about because people came together to work for it, because it became clear that Delaware's LGBT community is in fact part of every Delaware community. The greater good is served when we speak out and fight hard when we see that bias, prejudice or even outdated laws attempt to lessen any one of us."

Delaware is the eighth state to legalize same-sex civil unions (or marriages). The others are Hawaii, Illinois, California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and New Jersey. And it brings us one state closer to fulfilling the American dream for everyone. There is still much work to be done -- not only for homosexuals, but also for women and minorities -- but even a small step is a good thing.