(Photo: WBOC)DOVER, Del. - Two major pieces of legislation dealing with gay rights came up for a vote in the Delaware General Assembly Thursday.
The first measure, Senate Bill 27, would have reinforced Delaware's ban on gay marriage. That proposed constitutional amendment failed in the Senate Thursday.
The House though did pass a measure to make it illegal to discriminate against gay people when it comes to everything from employment to buying homes. The bill now goes over to the Senate for consideration. Gov. Jack Markell said Thursday he supports the bill.
Senate bill 27 failed despite the efforts of hundreds of protestors who gathered at Legislative Hall to support the measure. Supporters argued they wanted to make sure marriage remained between a man and a woman.
"We really want to see a growing swell of support for what marriage really is, between one man and one woman, no matter who wants to change it," said Kim Birowski.
Opponents though argued that Delaware already bans gay marriage and did not need to pass a constitutional amendment.
Steve Elkins says, "We're here at the state capital of the first state, to take advantage of equal rights for citizens."
No word on whether Senate Bill 27 will be re-introduced.
