8 May 2013

Same-sex marriage legalised in Delaware

1:59 pm on 8 May 2013

Delaware is now the 11th American state to legalise same-sex marriage.

Soon after its Senate approved a bill by a 12-9 vote, Governor Jack Markell signed the marriage equality legislation into law on Tuesday.

It will take effect on 1 July.

Last week, Rhode Island legalised same-sex marriage and legislators in Minnesota are expected to vote on a gay marriage bill later this week.

Same-sex marriage is constitutionally prohibited in 31 other states.

The US Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on a challenge to the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which at the federal level defines marriage in heterosexual terms.