Delaware Gov. Jack Markell: Gay Marriage 'Can Happen This Year'

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell is rallying around his state, pressuring legislators to introduce a bill to legalize gay marriage in the state.

"It can happen here in Delaware and it can happen this year," said Gov. Markell said during a rally at University of Delaware Trabant on April 8, The News Journal reports, .

"If you promise to do your part, and to ensure that a marriage equality bill reaches my desk this year, I make a promise to you, I will sign it."

For their part, Republicans in the state recently passed an amendment declaring that anyone hired by the Delaware GOP should line up with the party's core values, which include standing "for traditional family values and all hired representatives of that organization shall publicly reflect that view," according to the Washington Blade.

The measure was passed after the state party's gay executive director, John Fluharty, told the Washington Blade in March that he supported gay marriage.

While gay marriage is still illegal, civil unions were passed in Delaware on January 2012. The state also provides workplace protections against sexual orientation and gender identity.