Some Delaware gay and lesbian couples will don wedding apparel soon. The state’s civil union law goes into effect Sunday morning. People can begin applying for licenses on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.
Lisa Goodman, President of Equality Delaware, making her remarks to the crowd during the Civil Union bill filing.
However, some couples can start their new year with a legally recognized partner. New Castle County Clerk of Peace Ken Boulden Jr. will open his office New Year’s Day—and waive the 24-hour waiting period—for eight couples. But Boulden’s office won’t perform any ceremonies until Jan.5.
Attorney Lisa Goodman led Equality Delaware’s battle for the civil union law. Goodman and her partner, Delaware’s Criminal Justice Council head and former American Civil Liberties Union state chapter director Drewry Fennell, will be the first couple to receive a license.
Fennell and Goodman will head to downtown Wilmington’s Trinity Episcopal Church immediately after receiving the license—having a ceremony during the noon service.
“We’ll have lots of family in for the day,” Goodman said.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed the civil union legislation in May. It’s among nearly 12 states which allow civil unions or same-sex marriage. Delaware, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is among the top 10 states with recorded same-sex couples.
The Associated Press is also reporting that same-sex couples in Hawaii can also join as one—effective 12:01 a.m. New Year’s Day. Hawaii Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo said the Aloha state will recognize unions from other states. Both civil union and marriage license applications will be available online at www.hawaii.gov starting Jan. 1.
Photo: Delawarestonewall.com
