Colin Bonini on Civil Rights

	Colin Bonini on Civil Rights

Against Delaware legalizing gay marriage

HB75: This Act repeals the prohibition on same-gender marriage that was enacted in 1996.

Gubernatorial press release: Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry, making Delaware the 11th state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage. "Today, we wrote a new chapter in our history and proved justice and equality continue to move forward in Delaware," said Gov. Markell

Heritage Foundation in opposition: There's still a sizeable number of people in this country who believe that marriage is a union of one man and one woman. And those views deserve to be treated with respect. They come from honorable premises, especially those of faith. And what this bill is designed to do is to tar such people as being unfit to be in polite society and out of the public square.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 23-18-0 on Apr/23/13; passed Senate 12-9-0 on May/7/13; State Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; signed by Gov. Markell on May/7/13.

Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB75 , May 7, 2013

Opposed same-sex marriage for Delaware

The Washington Blade has learned seven of the 12 Delaware state senators who had previously not stated their position on the state's same-sex marriage bill plan to vote against it next week. Aides for state Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover) [and six others] said the lawmakers will vote against House Bill 75 when the state Senate considers the measure on May 7. Eleven of Delaware's 21 senators need to vote for HB 75 in order for it to pass.

Equality Delaware's President reiterated to the Blade she remains optimistic HB 75 will pass. "I am confident we will have the votes to pass marriage equality in Delaware," she said.

Neighboring Maryland is among the nine states and D.C. that currently allow same-sex marriage. The Delaware Senate vote on HB 75 is scheduled to take place five days after Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed his state's same-sex marriage bill into law. Gov. Jack Markell has said he will sign HB 75 into law if lawmakers approve it.

Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial debate , May 3, 2013

Don't recognize same-sex marriage

Increase state funding for programs to prevent teen pregnancy.
Deny or suspend state-issued permits & licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
Q: Do you believe that the Delaware government should include sexual orientation in Delaware's anti-discrimination laws?
A: No.
Q: Do you believe that the Delaware government should recognize same-sex marriages?
A: No.

Source: State Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 1998

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