On January 16, Delaware Governor Bethany Hall-Long signed an executive order that officially established the Delaware State LGBTQ+ Commission. This commission is designed to strengthen the relationship between the state government and LGBTQ+ organizations, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaboration on the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Delaware.
The nine-member commission will organize public forums to exchange ideas and insights about the needs and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community in the state. According to a statement from the governor’s office, the commission aims to "remove barriers to societal participation for LGBTQ+ people and improve the delivery of services to the community in Delaware, focusing on areas such as employment, equality, education, and mental health."
Members of the commission will be appointed by the governor and will volunteer their time, serving a three-year term without monetary compensation. The commission will include representatives from various facets of the LGBTQ+ community, considering factors such as age, race, gender identity, background, and life experiences. Furthermore, it will reflect the geographic diversity of Delaware.
This executive order comes at a unique moment in Delaware's political landscape. Governor Bethany Hall-Long is serving as interim governor for a brief two-week period beginning January 7, following the resignation of former Governor John Carney. Carney resigned to assume his new role as mayor of Wilmington after serving two terms as governor. Under Delaware’s term limit laws, he was ineligible to run for governor again. Matt Myer, who won the gubernatorial election last November, is set to be sworn in as Delaware’s next governor on January 21, at which point Hall-Long will step down.
Governor-elect Matt Myer is expected to appoint the members of the LGBTQ+ Commission shortly after taking office. The commission is tasked with advising the governor, members of the governor’s Cabinet, and the General Assembly on how policies and laws impact LGBTQ+ individuals. This is intended to ensure that the state's legislative and administrative frameworks are inclusive and supportive of all Delawareans.
Governor Hall-Long expressed her enthusiasm for the commission, stating, "It is truly an honor to bring this commission to fruition, and I am very excited to see the positive changes the commission will make in the lives of our LGBTQ+ neighbors."
David Mariner, the executive director of Sussex Pride, a prominent LGBTQ advocacy group in Sussex County, Delaware, praised the executive order as a significant advancement for LGBTQ equality in the state. "It is my hope that through this commission, we can address the critical issues facing LGBTQ Delawareans," Mariner stated. He highlighted the importance of developing an LGBTQ health report to promote health equity, increasing collaboration on hate crime prevention, and ensuring that nondiscrimination protections are effectively enforced.
The establishment of the Delaware State LGBTQ+ Commission marks a vital step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society in Delaware. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, the commission will work to ensure that all residents have equal access to opportunities and protections under the law.
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