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House approves constitutional amendment to enshrine marriage equality
Summary
The Delaware House voted to restore and pass Senate Substitute 2 for SB 100 — a proposed amendment to guarantee the right to marry irrespective of race or gender — following hours of debate and personal statements; the measure passed by roll call and advances the proposed constitutional change.
The Delaware House on June 30 restored and passed Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, a proposed amendment to Article I of the state constitution that would enshrine the right to marry regardless of race or gender.
Representative Snyder Hall, sponsor of the constitutional amendment, told colleagues the change would protect marriage equality in the state constitution so it could not be rescinded by a simple legislative majority. The restored substitute clarifies that the amendment protects the right to marry and explicitly protects religious freedom and confidentiality for waiver processes included elsewhere in the measure.
Floor debate was personal and at times emotional. Representative Wilson Anton apologized for a prior nonvote and described outreach to secure support; he said he had received online abuse while working to persuade colleagues. Representative Ortega described weighing personal religious convictions against his duty to represent all constituents before saying he would vote yes. Representative Morrison recounted decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and thanked volunteers and colleagues who helped secure the votes.
The House conducted a roll-call vote after debate. The clerk recorded 28 yes, 12 no and 1 absent; the substitute passed the House and will move forward in the constitutional amendment process as required for voter consideration.
The vote follows months of outreach and floor conversations; backers said the amendment would make the right to marry permanent in state law rather than relying solely on statutory protections. Opponents raised procedural concerns and some substantive reservations during floor remarks.
The House concluded its consideration of the substitute after the roll call; members who spoke urged continued outreach and discussion in their districts ahead of the next steps required to place a constitutional amendment before voters.
