Delaware to Become 11th State With Gay Marriage

Delaware will become the 11th state to allow same-sex marriages.

A divided state Senate voted 12-9 on Tuesday after hearing about three hours of debate. The House has already approved the bill, so it heads directly to Democratic Gov. Jack Markell. He planned to sign it later in the day.

There were cheers and applause from bill supporters in the chamber and the governor posed with supporters outside his office after it passed.

He says: "I think this is the right thing for Delaware. It took an incredible team effort."

The bill doesn't give same-sex couples any more rights or benefits under Delaware law than they currently have with civil unions. But supporters say same-sex couples deserve the dignity and respect of married couples.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)