HB 75 Summary

• Repeals the 1996 prohibition on same-gender marriage, allowing two individuals of any gender to marry if otherwise eligible under Delaware law.

• Allows existing civil union parties to convert their unions to marriages by application to the clerk of the peace between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014, with or without additional solemnization.

• Automatically converts all remaining civil unions to marriages on July 1, 2014, except those subject to pending dissolution, annulment, or legal separation proceedings.

• Recognizes same-gender legal unions (civil unions, domestic partnerships) validly established in other jurisdictions as marriages under Delaware law if they meet eligibility requirements and afford substantially similar rights and protections.

• Protects religious freedom by specifying that religious societies, clergypersons, and ministers are not required to solemnize any marriage and that the act does not interfere with religious practice or beliefs.