The state House is poised to vote on a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Delaware.
The bill is scheduled for a House vote Tuesday. It was introduced earlier this month, a little more than a year after Delaware began recognizing same-sex civil unions.
Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill if it passes the House and then wins Senate approval.
Under the proposal, no new civil unions would be performed after July 1. Existing civil unions would be converted to marriages over the coming year.
Supporters say couples in same-sex relationships deserve the same dignity and respect afforded to married couples.
Opponents argue that same-sex marriage redefines and destroys the institution of marriage. Hundreds of them gathered at Legislative Hall last week to make their concerns known.
