Delaware Enters Gay Fray

Two bills that could affect Delaware's gays and lesbians -- one that would grant rights, and another that would take them away -- are winding their way through Dover's legislative houses.

Delaware's house of representatives is considering legislation that could ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, public works contracting, public accommodations, and insurance. Meanwhile, the senate is debating whether to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage. According to Delaware Online , the anti-discrimination bill has a better chance of passing, since the marriage bill is seen as overreaching and could limit future efforts at Delaware civil unions.

"As I like to say, when my mother was born women did not have the right to vote in this country," Bob Martz, of the gay rights group Delaware Liberty Fund, told Delaware Online. "In Delaware, segregation was the norm in many places, and before I die, I think we will eliminate discrimination against homosexuals."

Previously, the senate stood in the way of an anti-discrimination bill, but new senate rules have increased the odds of passage. The bill is headed for legislative action very soon.

The anti-gay marriage bill, though, requires a three-fifths vote in both chambers, not only in this session but in the legislative session that begins in January 2011. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Robert L. Venables Sr., a 76-year-old pro-gun rights, anti-gay rights Democrat.