FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 10, 2025
Contact: Sarah Fulton (302) 401-1114
DOVER — In celebration of Pride Month, the Delaware State Senate passed the first leg of a constitutional amendment protecting marriage equality here in the First State.
Sponsored by Sen. Russ Huxtable and Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, Senate Bill 100 (S) enshrines marriage as a fundamental right that may not be denied or abridged on the basis of gender or any basis protected under the Delaware Constitution — including race, color, national origin, and sex. As a constitutional right, all marriages that are legally valid under the laws of this State would have to be treated equally — including under all laws that are applicable to marriage, married spouses, or the children of married spouses.
“I am proud to represent a district that has long been revered as a leading destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Even before our state formally legalized marriage equality, Delaware’s welcoming reputation is why it became a safe place for countless families to call home,” said Sen. Huxtable. “Like so many of my fellow Delawareans, my marriage is one of the most important things to me. It is only right that we fight to preserve this right for all our neighbors — no matter what.”
Marriage equality was first made legal in the Delaware Code back in 2013 but has not been adopted into the state’s constitution. As of now, only three states — Nevada, California, and Michigan — have enshrined marriage equality into their state constitutions.
“Today is a proud day. We just took the first step on the path towards the constitutional recognition and protection of all marriages in the state of Delaware,” said Rep. Snyder-Hall. “Many, many people have organized and worked tirelessly to get us to this day. And I am proud to be a part of that movement.”
This legislation must be passed with a two thirds vote by consecutive General Assemblies, but does not require the Governor’s signature. SB 100 heads to the House for consideration.
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