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In a historic move, Governor John Collins of Delaware signed a series of groundbreaking civil rights bills into law on February 4, 2026, aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community in the state. The legislation, which has been hailed as a major victory for equality and justice, comes after years of advocacy and activism by LGBTQ+ rights organizations and allies in the state.Among the new laws signed by Governor Collins is the Delaware LGBTQ+ Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as housing, employment, and public accommodations. This law not only affords legal protections to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have long faced discrimination and harassment, but also sends a powerful message that such discrimination will not be tolerated in the state of Delaware.In addition to the Non-Discrimination Act, Governor Collins also signed into law the Delaware Conversion Therapy Ban, which prohibits the harmful practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors. This practice, which seeks to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or spiritual interventions, has been widely discredited by medical and mental health professionals as harmful and ineffective. With the passage of this law, Delaware becomes one of the latest states to ban conversion therapy, joining a growing number of jurisdictions across the country that have taken a stand against this harmful practice.The signing of these landmark civil rights bills is a significant step forward in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality and justice in Delaware. Governor Collins, in a statement following the signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He praised the advocacy efforts of LGBTQ+ rights organizations and allies in the state, noting that their tireless work was instrumental in bringing about this momentous change.The new laws are set to take effect immediately, providing much-needed protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the state. As Delaware celebrates this historic moment, advocates and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights hope that these laws will serve as a model for other states to follow, further advancing equality and justice for all.