DOVER, Del. (AP) - A proposed equal protection amendment to Delaware's constitution has been tabled after several lawmakers said they need more time to consider the proposal.
The amendment says equal protection under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin
While many of those protections already exist under current law, chief sponsor Sen. Karen Peterson says the amendment would offer stronger, broader protection and serve as a statement that Delaware treats all people equally.
Peterson explained the proposal to fellow senators Tuesday and offered supporting testimony from a law professor, then tabled the legislation.
The amendment requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber, and Peterson acknowledged she did not have enough votes Tuesday for passage.
Meanwhile, Peterson announced that she will not run for reelection. She has led the fight for same sex marriage which was legalized in 2013. She noted that her wife Vikki Bandy was in the Senate chamber as she made the announcement.
