Delaware Becomes 15th State To Ban Harmful "Ex-Gay" Therapy

Delaware has become the 15th state to ban the harmful practice of so-called “conversion” or “reparative” therapy.

On Monday, Governor John Carney signed the bill that bans attempts to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of minors. The legislation considers conversion therapy “unprofessional conduct” for mental health and medical professionals. Any mental health professional caught practicing the 'theraphy' on a minor will find themselves subject to discipline.

All Delawareans, including Delaware children, deserve to be respected for who they are, and I was proud to sign Senate Bill 65 into law today.

Discredited practices like conversion therapy have no place in Delaware. pic.twitter.com/ljacguEZfd

— Governor John Carney (@JohnCarneyDE) July 23, 2018

The new law also contains language preventing the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families from recommending “conversion therapy.”

During the legislation's journey to becoming law, state Rep. Richard Collins (R-Millsboro) introduced an amendment that would have allowed conversion therapy if a patient were to request it. The amendment, fortunately, gained no traction and was soundly voted down.

HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride, a Delawarean herself, issued a statement which read, in part, “Today’s signing is a critical step forward in the fight to ensure that Delaware is a safe and affirming state for all LGBTQ youth, and we hope that the values and progress reflected in this law guide the ongoing conversation in Delaware about protecting LGBTQ students from discrimination."

The practice has been condemned by the American Medical Association, the American Pediatrics Association, the American Psychiatric Association and many others due to its disastrous effects which can lead to depression and, in some cases, suicide.

Delaware joins Connecticut, California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington, Maryland, Hawaii, New Hampshire - plus Washington, D.C. in enacting legislation to ban the widely discredited practice of “ex-gay” therapy.

Additionally, over 30 cities and municipalities have banned the practice from being performed on minors.

See below a map from the Williams Institute showing where bans have been enacted as well as states with pending legislation.

News Round-Up: July 23, 2018

Derek Chadwick (image via Instagram)

 Some news items you might have missed:

• Instagram celeb/model Derek Chadwick (above) comes out as gay.

• Liza Minnelli is auctioning thousands of personal belongings July 30 - August 1, including personal items, correspondence, awards, and photos from her mother Judy Garland, as well as pristine bespoke outfits from designers such as Halston, Chanel, Givenchy, and more. For more info, click on this link.

• The New York Daily News has gutted its newsroom by firing half its staff in an effort to refocus the newspaper's efforts on breaking news. The below tweet is from the now-former editor-in-chief.

If you hate democracy and think local governments should operate unchecked and in the dark, then today is a good day for you.

— Jim Rich (@therealjimrich) July 23, 2018

• Controversial soccer player Jaelene Hinkle has been cut from U.S. Women’s National Team. In 2017, she refused a call-up to the women’s national team on the basis that she didn’t want to wear a rainbow number for the team’s Pride Month initiative based on her religion.

• My Instinct colleague Samuel reviews Kathy Griffin's new Laugh Your Head Off comedy tour.

• Read this: The story of a woman who took care of hundreds of abandoned gay men dying of AIDS.

•  Delaware has become the 15th state to ban so-called "conversion therapy." #happyDance

Congrats Delaware!

Marriage equality passes in Delaware by a vote of 12-9

By a vote of 12-9! Yay! Happy dance!

During the debate, state Sen. Karen Peterson came out as a lesbian and challenged her colleagues, saying, “If my happiness somehow demeans or diminishes your marriage, you need to work on your marriage.” Truth.

The bill heads to Gov. Markell's desk where he has promised to sign into law.

UPDATE: Gov. Markell plans to sign the bill TODAY!  Marriage equality to begin July 1.

UPDATE II: Delaware Gov. Jack Markell as he signed the marriage equality bill - "I do not intend to make any of you wait one minute longer."

Delaware: Final vote on marriage equality today

Big day in Delaware! Full Senate will be voting on marriage equality.  The bill easily in the state House last month by 23-18. But today is predicted to be very close.

Start thinking those happy thoughts.

Governor Markell is a supporter and has promised to sign if it hits his desk.

Below is the final "forecast" from Delaware Liberal.  As you can see, it could be a nail biter.

Delaware: Final Senate vote for marriage equality next Tuesday

After being approved by a Senate committee this week, Delaware’s marriage equality bill goes before the full Senate on Tuesday.

The Washington Blade reports that seven Senators are in the definite “no” column, and nine Senators in the "yes" column, leaving five votes up in the air:

State Sen. Catherine Cloutier (R-Heatherbrooke) remains undecided. State Sens. Bruce Ennis (D-Smyrna,) Bethany Hall-Long (D-Middletown,) Robert Marshall (D-Wilmington) and Robert Venables (D-Laurel) did not return the Blade’s requests for comment. Hall-Long and Marshall voted for the civil unions bill that Gov. Jack Markell signed into law in 2011, while Ennis and Venables opposed it.

So that’s 9 for, 7 against, and 5 undecided.

If you live in Delaware, please pick up the phone and start calling. Let’s make Delaware state number 11.

(via PurpleUnions.com)

Delaware: Marriage equality passes out of Senate committee by 4-2

Delaware Senate Executive Committee passes marriage equality bill by 4-2 vote.

Now on to the full Senate.

Delaware: Marriage equality bill heads to Senate committee today

The Delaware Senate Executive Committee will hear its marriage equality bill today at 2:30pm at a special session where it's the only item on the agenda. 

 

While the bill is expected to pass by a 4-2 vote in committee, the proposal faces a tight vote in the full chamber. Last week brought some good news when one state Senator flipped into the "yes" column, but the latest head count shows the bill only squeaking by 11-10 in the full chamber, with three Democrats opposed.

 

The bill passed 23-18 in the Delaware House last Tuesday and Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign it. 

 

If you live in Delaware: please reach out to your state Senator this morning even if their "yes" vote has already been predicted.

 

(via JMG)

Delaware state Senator Bushweller supports marriage equality

"As you may know, HB 75 passed the House of Representatives on April 23 and will now come to the Senate for consideration. When the roll is called in the Senate, I will be voting yes. Where I disagree with the opponents of HB 75 is that I believe same sex, civil marriage is not a threat to the family. Rather, it can help strengthen the family.

"As I stated when the General Assembly passed the civil union bill two years ago, to the extent we can encourage longevity, stability and commitment in relationships as described above, marriage and families will benefit. We should be promoting these kinds of relationships, not denying them." - Delaware Sen. Brian Bushweller, in a letter to his constituents.

Bushweller's support may push the Senate over into the win column for marriage equality. See the list below of recently projected/stated positions on marriage equality in Delaware.

(via JMG)

Delaware: State House approves bill to legalize marriage equality

The Delaware state House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 23-18.

The measure, introduced less than two weeks ago, and a little more than a year after Delaware first began recognizing same-sex civil unions, was approved by a vote of 23-18 and now heads to the state Senate.

Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill if it passes the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.

Delaware: Marriage equality bill moves ahead

Delaware's House Administration Committee has passed its marriage equality bill, HB75, by a vote of 4-1. It now goes to the House floor.

Among those testifying was Richard Smith, president of the Delaware chapter of the NAACP. “We believe marriage equality is a civil right,” Smith told lawmakers. Jared and Jordan spoke on behalf of their 2-mom family. “No child should have to fight for their hardworking, dedicated parents to have the same rights as other parents,” Jordan said. Opponents said they oppose the measure because it would force religious groups to marry gay couples.

Gov. Markell has stated he intends to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

State Democrats were clear that the bill does not force any religious organization to perform marriage ceremonies outside of their teachings.

(via JMG)

Delaware: Marriage equality bill to be filed with state legislature today

A marriage equality bill will be filed with the Delaware state legislature today:

Gov. Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden planned to join lawmakers Thursday in Wilmington to announce the filing of the legislation.

Crafting of the bill has been led by members of the gay rights group Equality Delaware.

Markell has pledged to sign the bill if it passes the General Assembly, where it has the support of Democratic leaders in both chambers.

In 2011, Markell signed a bill authorizing same-sex civil unions in Delaware, effective last year.

Currently, Democrats hold a majority in the state House 26-15; and in the state Senate, Dems outnumber GOP 13-8.

In addition to Gov. Markell, Attorney General Beau Biden, all three members of Congress (U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper; Congressman John Carney) and John Fluharty, (openly gay executive director of the Delaware Republican Party, are among those who support marriage equality in Delaware.

Delaware: Congressman John Carney supports marriage equality

Delaware's only Congressman John Carney Jr. (D) came out for marriage equality in a statement on his website yesterday.

Writes Carney:

“I’ve supported Delaware’s journey toward marriage equality because I believe the law should recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples.  As a Catholic and as an elected official, I’ve been dedicated to striking the balance between honoring the religious sacrament of marriage, while allowing same-sex couples to enjoy legal recognition of their committed relationships.

“That’s why -- starting as Lieutenant Governor -- I supported civil unions, culminating with the passage of Delaware’s civil union law in 2011. And that’s why I support marriage equality in Delaware.

“I continue to respect and support the rights of religious institutions to define marriage in accordance with the tenets of their faith. However, I do not believe it is right for the government to treat couples differently based on their sexual orientation. Marriage equality will ensure that same-sex couples in Delaware receive the same treatment under the law.

“For over a generation, we as a society have honored the truth that separate is not equal. On the surface, this may just sound like a debate about words. But marriage is also symbolic -- it gives honor to a lifelong partnership in a way that civil unions do not. This June, I will be married 20 years. I know that marriage is about commitment, love, and mutual respect.

“All Delawareans should have the privilege of participating in this institution.”

A marriage equality bill is expected to be introduced there sometime this year.

(via ThinkProgress)

Delaware: Sen. Tom Carper supports marriage equality

Yesterday, I posted that Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) was the only true "blue state" US Senator who had not come out for marriage equality. And now, he has. From his Facebook page:

As our society has changed and evolved, so too has the public's opinion on gay marriage – and so has mine. I pray every day for God to grant me the wisdom to do what is right. Through my prayers and conversations with my family and countless friends and Delawareans, I've been reminded of the power of one of my core values: the Golden Rule. It calls on us to treat others as we want to be treated. That means, to me, that all Americans ultimately should be free to marry the people they love and intend to share their lives with, regardless of their sexual orientation, and that's why today, after a great deal of soul searching, I'm endorsing marriage equality.

Carper joins a list of Democratic Senators who have come out for marriage equality in the last week.

Only seven remain who haven't declared their support.

They are: Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Mark Pryor, (D-AR).

Delaware: Atty General Beau Biden supports marriage equality

Beau Biden, Delaware Attorney General and son of VP Joe Biden, speaks out for marriage equality in a new video:

"All Delawareans should be able to marry the person they love, the person who they want to spend their life with. The freedom to marry is the fundamental, defining civil rights issue of our time."

Freedom To Marry announces $2 million in support for marriage equality in 6 states

According to Buzzfeed, Freedom to Marry has just announced they plan to spend $2 million in 2013 to advance marriage equality efforts around the country:

According to a statement provided to BuzzFeed, Freedom to Marry is starting the 2013 effort — called the Win More States Fund — by investing $800,000 in the six states where marriage bills are being debated: Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

"Building on our 4 for 4 ballot victories in November, Freedom to Marry is calling on supporters to join us in continuing the momentum and winning still more states in 2013.

"With the clock ticking on the Supreme Court's review of marriage cases, we want to make as much progress as we can – and with battles already underway now in state capitals, we all need to put our money where our momentum is," Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, said in a statement.

Delaware: Civil Unions bill signed into law!

Following the passage of civil union legislation by the Delaware General Assembly in April, Gov. Jack Markell (D) made good on a promise by signing the bill into law Wednesday night.

The law takes effect on January 1, 2012 and will make Delaware the nation’s eighth state to allow civil unions or domestic partnerships for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples.

Once the law takes effect, Delaware’s gay and lesbian couples will be able to obtain civil unions, thus gaining legal recognition by the state. With a civil union, loving and committed gay and lesbian couples will have access to many of the same legal protections currently available only to married couples.
(via GLAADblog.org)

Delaware: Civil Unions bill passes in state House!

By a vote of 26-15, the Delaware state House passed the Civil Unions bill which now heads to the desk of Governor Markell, a gay rights champion, who has indicated he plans to sign the bill into law.

The bill, which passed the state Senate 13-6 last week, survived nine amendment attempts.

From the Human Rights Campaign: SB 30 will allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions giving them all of the rights, benefits, and obligations of marriage under state law, but would not allow same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses. Religious institutions may choose not to solemnize civil unions.

"We are tremendously proud that the Delaware House has passed civil union legislation," said Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman. "The fact that the Delaware General Assembly passed civil union legislation on the first attempt is a great testament to how far public opinion has come on equality issues. This is a great day for equality in Delaware."

With Markell's signature, the bill will take effect Jan. 1. It will make Delaware the eighth state to establish civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. Five other states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.

Delaware: Civil Unions bill passes in state senate

The Delaware State Senate just passed the Civil Unions Bill on a vote of 13-6.

The bill now goes to the state House where it is expected to pass. However, recent history in Maryland shows it's never good to be too confident with these things.

Fingers crossed.

Delaware: Civil Unions bill moves forward in state senate

A same-sex civil unions bill cleared a Delaware senate committee Wednesday and now heads to the senate floor for debate.

The bill -- S.B. 30 -- sponsored by Sen. David Sokola, D-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 for the better or the worse. The balcony was packed and so was much of the floor of the Senate chamber.

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 honored to do it, he said.

"I hold the highest regard for my position in law enforcement," Bouchard said.

But he had one question for 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?

After a two hour hearing, the bill passed out of the senate administrative services committee with the 4 Democrats voting for it and the Republicans taking no position.