Synopsis:

Update (8/20/19): Gov. Carney signed S.B. 63 w/ S.A. 1 into law.

Update (6/30/19): S.B. 63 w/ S.A. 1 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 41–0 and now awaits action by Gov. Carney.

Update (5/9/19): S.B. 63 w. S.A. 1 passed the Senate by a vote of 16–0 and now goes to the House of Representatives.

Delaware’s Equal Accommodations Law prevents discrimination against people because of their race, age, marital status, creed, color, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. This bill prohibits retaliation against anyone who opposed any act or practice that violated the law and anyone who contributed to the investigation or prosecution of an alleged violator. These two acts were already prohibited by law. However, the anti-retaliation language appeared in many other states’ versions of the equal accommodations laws. The bill’s sponsors said they want to bring Delaware’s law into line with the national trend. Also, as stories about disagreements over service dogs (which may be brought into public accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act) became more common in the news, the bill reinforces the prohibition preventing retaliation against individuals who bring suits involving denial of access.

Supporters:

Sens. Delcollo (R), Hansen (D), Paradee (D), Sokola (D), Sturgeon (D), Townsend (D); Reps. Griffith (D), Lynn (D), Baumbach (D), Brady (D), Chukwuocha (D), Heffernan (D), Mitchell (D), Ramone (R), Michael Smith (R); League of Women Voters.

Opponents:

None reported yet.

Links to Additional Resources: