Thinking about making the move to Delaware? One of the smallest states in the country, Delaware was also the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and is the home of a large number of historic sites. Less than 100 miles in length, the state has access to beaches, riverfront property (on the Delaware River), and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the New England area. But more than that, Delaware also has a growing LGBT population, and the state has been fairly quick on working for equal rights.
LGBT Laws
Delaware repealed all of its sodomy laws in 1972, making it one of the first states to do so. The state then approved a bill to create civil unions for same-sex couples, which went into effect at the beginning of 2012. During that year, over 500 civil unions were created, far more than many people expected. In March, then-Governor Jack Markell believed that the state would quickly legalize same-sex marriage, and in April of 2013, the House passed such a bill. It was approved by the senate in May, and went into full effect July 1st. Civil unions were converted into marriages at that point.
This came to no surprise to those who were tracking the opinions of Delaware citizens. In February of 2011, almost half of the voters supported same-sex marriage, while over 60 percent supported civil unions. In February 2013, 54 percent voiced their support for same-sex marriage.
As far as adoptions go, anyone may petition to adopt a child. In 2001, the state saw its first LGBT couple complete a second-parent adoption. With the creation of civil unions and then the legalization of same-sex marriage, LGBT couples have all of the adoption rights that opposite-sex couples have.
Protections
Delaware has included sexual orientation in its hate crime legislation since 2001, and those protections were extended to include gender identity in 2013. The state passed laws in 2009 protecting LGBT citizens from being discriminated against based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and other areas and expanded that definition to include gender identity in 2013.
Why Delaware?
That’s what many people ask. Besides the protections and rights offered to its LGBT citizens, this small state has a lot to offer. Many retirees look to Rehoboth Beach, a small and quiet community. Others enjoy the fact that Delaware is close to New York City and many other major metro areas, yet also provides plenty of opportunities to get away from civilization for a little while.