Delaware Governor Jack Markell, a
rising star in the Democratic Party, told supporters of gay marriage
on Monday that he is ready to sign a bill legalizing such unions.
“It can happen here in Delaware and
it can happen this year,” Markell said. “But it will only happen
if you do your part to make it happen.”
Markell, who signed a civil unions bill
into law two years ago, was speaking to a gathering of roughly 200
supporters at the University of Delaware's Trabant University Center,
The
News Journal reported.
A bill which seeks to make Delaware the
10th state to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian
couples is expected to be pre-filed Thursday by Rep. Melanie George
Smith, the Democrat who sponsored the civil unions bill in the House.
Lawmakers return to work next week.
“This is not about watching history
happen,” Markell said. “This is about making history and this is
your opportunity.”
“If you promise to do your part and
to assure that the marriage equality bill reaches my desk this year,
I make a promise to you: I will sign it.”