During a debate Tuesday on a bill which
seeks to make Delaware the 11th state to legalize gay
marriage, Delaware Senator Karen Peterson for the first time publicly
acknowledged her sexual orientation.
(Related: Delaware
Senate approves gay marriage bill.)
Peterson, a Democrat, received a round
of applause in discussing her partner Vicki for the first time
publicly.
“No one chose to be gay,” she told
colleagues. “We are what God made us. We don't need to be fixed.
We aren't broken.”
“My partner Vicki and I have been
together for 24 years. Last year, we entered into a civil union.”
“If my happiness somehow demeans or
diminishes your marriage, you need to work on your marriage,” she
added.