Civil Unions Bill Introduced in Del.

With the support of Gov. Jack Markell, a bill was introduced in the Delaware state senate Tuesday that would legalize civil unions.

The bill would restrict civil unions to gay and lesbian couples, but those who sign up would have the same rights and obligations as married heterosexual couples. Employers would also be required to recognize workers who are in civil unions by extending benefits to their partners.

"A hundred years ago, women were not treated the same way as men, and we fought hard to correct those wrongs," Rep. Melanie George told a crowd gathered at the legislative mall. "Fifty years ago, blacks were not given the same rights as whites, and we fought to correct that."

George said a marriage equality bill might not pass in Delaware, so supportive legislators chose to aim for a civil union law to avoid religious entanglements, according to WDEL News.