Delaware

Same-sex marriage protection takes next step toward Delaware Constitution

Published

2 months ago

March 12, 2026

Same-sex marriage protection takes next step toward Delaware Constitution

An amendment to enshrine the right to marry in the Delaware Constitution advanced March 11, clearing the House Administration Committee and moving closer to completing its first of two legislative hurdles.

Backed by state Sen. Russ Huxtable, the proposed amendment would recognize the right of individuals to marry as “a fundamental right.”

It adds that such rights may not be abridged or denied “on account of any basis protected” in Delaware’s most sacred legislative document, according to the bill pushing it forward. That includes race, sex, gender or national origin, to name a few. The amendment would also not “infringe upon the right to freedom of religion.”

Should this become law, all legally binding marriages under Delaware law “must be treated equally.” That also includes laws pertaining to married spouses or children of wedded spouses.

Delaware already legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 – two years before the U.S. Supreme Court made its historical decision in the case Obergefell v. Hodges.

Huxtable has previously cited ongoing efforts “rolling back” protections related to marriage equality nationwide, and he felt state legislators must now “take the next step” to enshrine it.

The bill already cleared through the Senate last year. Next, it will make its way to the House floor. Just like in the Senate, it will need two-thirds majority support to pass.

Then its legislative journey isn’t over yet.

Because this is just the first leg, it will also require passage in the next, newly minted General Assembly to make it to the state constitution.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.

Source link

Click to comment

Delaware

History of Delaware outdoor track and field state championships

Published

4 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

History of Delaware outdoor track and field state championships

The Padua and Tatnall girls and the Middletown and Saint Mark’s boys will defend their state titles at the 2026 DIAA Track and Field Championships on May 15 and 16 at Dover High.

Here is a look at the history of the meet with the most recent champions.

Which school has won the most Delaware outdoor track and field state championships?

With 21 Division I titles, Salesianum has won the most boys outdoor track and field state championships. Padua has won 25 state championships, including 23 Division I titles.

Who are the winningest Delaware high school outdoor track and field coaches?

Tatnall’s Patrick Castagno has led the most state championship teams with 12 girls titles and four boys titles. Padua’s Marnie Giunta has won 13 girls state titles.

Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.

Source link

Delaware

Buffalo woman pleads guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park

Published

16 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Buffalo woman pleads guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park in October 2025.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that 40-year-old Stacy M. Matthews pleaded guilty before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town to one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Erie County District Attorney’s Office

According to the DA, on October 16, 2025, Matthews drove six juveniles under her care to a business on Lincoln Parkway, and the juveniles, between the ages of 10 and 16, intentionally vandalized outdoor furniture and windows, causing approximately $2,000 in damage to the property.

The DA said that as a condition of the plea, Matthews signed a Confession of Judgment to pay $2,000 in restitution to the victim. Matthews faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when she is sentenced on June 9, 2026 and a temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the property owner, remains in effect.

7 News spoke with Mike Shatzel, co-owner of The Terrace at Delaware Park, where the vandalism occurred, last October.

“It’s just disturbing that people have nothing better to do than come and just destroy things,” Shatzel said in October.

You can watch our previous story below.

WATCH: The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks

The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks

Source link