Karen E. Peterson

Karen Peterson
Member of the Delaware Senate
from the 9th district
In office
2002–2017
Preceded by Thomas B. Sharp
Succeeded by Jack Walsh
Personal details
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Vikki Bandy
Residence Stanton, Delaware

Karen Peterson is an American politician who formerly served in the Delaware General Assembly as a State Senator. First elected in 2002, she is a member of the Democratic Party. Peterson served in the Senate until 2017.

On May 7, 2013, Peterson came out as lesbian during Senate debate on same-sex marriage in Delaware, becoming the state's first openly LGBT legislator.[1] At that time, she had been with her partner Vikki Bandy for 24 years, and the two had entered a civil union when Delaware legalized them the year before.[2] The two were married on July 1, 2013, becoming the first same-sex couple to convert their existing civil union into marriage in Delaware.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Karen Peterson, Delaware State Senator, Comes Out During Gay Marriage Debate". Huffington Post, May 7, 2013.
  2. ↑ Michelle Garcia, "No. 11: Marriage Equality Signed in Delaware"
  3. ↑ Neff, Lisa. "Delaware gay couples marry" Wisconsin Gazette July 11, 2013; p. 4, col. 3
  • "Senator Karen Peterson". Delaware General Assembly.


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