The Next Critical Step
July 2, 2009 was a historic day for LGBT Delawareans. After 11 challenging and hard-fought years, Governor Jack Markell signed SB 121 into law, adding “sexual orientation” to the state’s list of prohibited acts of discrimination.
As a testament to the impact made by CAMP Rehoboth towards passage of this legislation, Governor Markell chose to sign the bill into law in our Community Center. Cheers and tears filled the room on that joyful day. My partner of 20 years, Eric, and I couldn’t have been more proud to have been present, not only as residents of Delaware and Rehoboth, but as members of CAMP Rehoboth.
Now, less than two years later, a core group of individuals who were instrumental in SB 121 becoming law, have recently formed a new statewide, citizen-supported organization known as Equality Delaware (EQDE). The non-profit organization will focus on education, advocacy, and outreach by bringing together the energy, drive and determination of all Delaware citizens, as well as groups who believe in the concept and application of fairness and equality for all people.
Specifically, the organization’s mission is dedicated to working to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Delawareans.
“Thousands of committed and responsible same-sex families in Delaware are denied protections that are afforded to thousands of other Delaware families every day,” said Lisa Goodman, Board President of Equality Delaware in a phone interview last week. “We believe 2011 is the year Delaware should embrace a basic standard of fairness and equal rights for every Delawarean, so we can all live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.”
Equality Delaware’s first initiative is to advocate for the passage of a civil union bill in Delaware. Towards that end, the organization has drafted a bill, and has obtained sponsors for the bill in both houses of the Delaware General Assembly.
“After working for hate crimes and anti-discrimination legislation, we definitely believe that relationship recognition is the next critical step toward full equality. Delaware is ready for civil unions,” said Goodman.
The new organization is comprised of a distinguished and diverse group of community leaders from across the state. Many members of the Board and Community Advisory Council have been involved in equality efforts in Delaware for decades.
Rehoboth is well represented within the leadership of Equality Delaware. We’re especially proud that CAMP Rehoboth’s Executive Director, Steve Elkins, has been appointed to a Board position, while Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker of Epworth United Methodist Church is serving as Vice President.
This is an exciting and critical effort for LGBT Delawareans and for those who love and support them. According to Goodman, “We are very optimistic about the bill’s prospects, and would very much like to discuss our organization and the bill with members of our community.”
Equality Delaware will host two Town Hall Meetings in an effort to educate and increase awareness to the LGBT citizens of the state, as well as to those who support this legislation from the community at large. Town Hall Meetings will be held:
• Thursday, February 17, at 5:30 pm
First and Central Presbyterian Church
11th and Market Streets, Wilmington
• Saturday, February 19, at 3:00 pm
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center
37 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth
How to get involved…
There are several things you can do. First, attend one of the Town Hall meetings and learn about the effort. At the Town Hall meetings, EQDE plans to explain the organization’s thinking and approach to relationship recognition in Delaware, and to discuss the legislation being prepared. They also hope to enlist the support, aid, and enthusiasm of the community.
Next, be ready to help with political and educational outreach. Goodman indicated that the response thus far has been “overwhelmingly positive,” and while changes in leadership and public attitude has been hugely beneficial, “as we advance this issue, we will need help from our whole community and our friends and families to reach out to legislators, neighbors, and colleagues to support the bill.”
Continue to stay abreast of what’s happening with the bill. EQDE plans to hold additional educational meetings and forums throughout the state to continue to get the word out.
Finally, if you’d like to become a member of Equality Delaware, annual tax deductible membership dues are $10 for students, seniors, and those on a limited income; $25 for individuals; $35 for families; and $50 for organizations. Membership dues should be mailed to: Equality Delaware Foundation, Inc, 38 Country Hills Drive, Newark, DE 19711.
Sending a positive message of widespread public support is critical towards achieving this milestone on the path towards equality for all Delawareans. Whether you’re 15 or 75, an individual, couple, or business, gay or straight, you can make a difference in this effort, and, most importantly, help make history!
Chris Beagle is a member of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors. E-mail christopherbeagle@hotmail.com