Delaware Gay Marriage Bill Signed Into Law

Delaware became the 11th U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, with Gov. Jack Markell signing the legislation into law immediately following a 12-9 vote.

Prior to signing HB 75, Markell took to Twitter, congratulating those who fought for marriage equality in his state:

Markell is also quoted by ThinkProgress as having told the crowd, “I do not intend to make any of you wait one minute longer.”

Other lawmakers echoed those sentiments.

“This is a truly historic day for our state,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) is quoted by the Washington Blade as saying. “The passage of HB 75 ushers in a new era of equality in our state and marks an important moment in our state’s history. I am incredibly proud.”

The signing ceremony did not appear to have been televised, although The News Journal's Doug Denison tweeted the following image:

The first same-sex couples will be allowed to tie the knot on July 1, according to reports.

Markell will reportedly participate in a Google+ Hangout sponsored by Sensible Politics on May 7 at 7:45 p.m. EST.