Delaware Senate Committee Approves Bill Affording Same Sex Civil Unions; Sends Senate Bill 30 To The Full Floor For Debate

A Senate civil unions bill that would recognize "solemnized" same sex relationships with the same legal protections and requirements as marriage, was voted out of the Delaware Senate Administrative Services Committee after a two-hour hearing Wednesday, reports The News Journal. Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator David Sokola, (Democrat-Newark North) with more than two dozen co-sponsors, now goes to the Senate floor for debate. Committee members heard impassioned testimony from opponents and supporters of the bill, one reading from the Bible, another reading a letter from his son, all saying the state would be significantly changed either for the better or the worse. Many speakers offered personal, poignant stories. The Reverend Rick Hensley, pastor of Grace and Truth Community Church in Felton said he was raised by a single mother who lived a "homosexual lifestyle." But she left that lifestyle, he said, and so did her partner, proving, he suggested, such orientations are a choice, not innate. "They are wonderful people, and I don't have anything bad to say about them," Hensley said. "I love them. But the lie we are talking about is that this is something innate, unchangeable. ... Freedom to pursue sexual orientation does not necessitate fundamentally redefining marriage in our society. If you do that, you run a perilous path. And this is a step toward same sex marriage. We all in this room know that." Mike Bouchard, a New Castle County policeman who is active in his church, told the panel he says goodbye to his partner each morning and lays his life on the line each day for the community. He's honoured to do it, he said. "I hold the highest regard for my position in law enforcement," Bouchard said, but asked the panel why, if he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community, is he not given the same rights as those whose partner is of the opposite sex? Priests and pastors spoke for and against the bill, illustrating the significant divide that exists on the issue in churches and communities. The Reverend Doug Gerdts, pastor of First & Central Presbyterian Church, said nothing changed about his love for his daughter when she told him she was gay."But I found myself sad and angry," he said. "Angry at a yet-to-be identified person or persons who might attempt to make her life painful, simply because of the way God created her. Sad that her life would have challenges and struggles that mine doesn't." Former state Senator Lee Littleton of Sussex County said he loved every soul in the chamber and was sent to speak by Jesus Christ and that "I'm here because I believe what God's word says. Man with man and woman with woman is an abomination. I don't want people going to hell because of their sins." The Reverend Jeffrey Ross, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, urged lawmakers to pass the bill and let Delaware stand for justice. He said he has "looked into the souls of gay and lesbian people," has seen relationships that have lasted longer than his lifetime and seen their children."I have seen the love of God blossom in their lives," he said. In all, more than 50 people signed up to speak to the committee, but the committee chairman, Senator Michael Katz (Democrat-Centreville) was forced to cut off testimony after two hours because the Senate was returning to session. SB 30 was released from committee with three votes in favour (including Katz, Sokola, and Senator Patricia Blevins, Democrat-Elsmere) and one (Senator Robert Marshall, Democrat-Wilmington) on its merits. Nicole Theis, executive director of the Delaware Family Policy Council, sees the bill as a precursor to same sex marriage, and said she would continue to monitor the bill and educate lawmakers on the true intent and likely consequences it would have for the state. "I expected it," she said. "We'll follow it, alert our people and continue informing people about what it really means."