Proposed changes to Delaware’s state song are drawing some criticism for being too politically correct.
But legislation amending the song with gender neutral language comes after a request from one of the song’s authors.
State Rep. Gerald Brady’s bill would change one line in “Our Delaware” from “Here’s the loyal son that pledges” to “Here’s the loyal pledge we offer.” It would also change “his pillow” to “our pillow” in another line.
“Our Delaware” was published in 1906 by George Hynson and designated the official state song in 1925. Donn Devine wrote a fourth verse in the late 1950's. He won a contest to write the fourth verse of “Our Delaware” sponsored by former Gov. James Caleb Boggs.
Brady said Devine requested the changes to make the song more relevant to future generations.
“He just now felt this was an appropriate time to make a recommendation and he wrote to me," he said. "He’s a dear friend of mine, we’ve worked together for years and we were in the Guard together and he said “Hey, could you consider changing this?”
Brady also adds he’s surprised by all the attention the legislation has attracted. He said the change isn’t meant to be a political statement, but he acknowledges some people have an emotional response to issues around gender and the term gender neutral.
“Due to many of the other that have been brought to the General Assembly recently, this immediately… any inference or reference to you know gender or gender equality has somewhat of a very sensitive tone to it depending on your position,” he said.
Brady said he served with the 88-year-old Devine in the Delaware National Guard and the former Wilmington city planner is one of his constituents. He said the bill currently doesn’t reflect the changes Devine wanted, but he plans to amend it.The legislation is currently assigned to the House Administration committee.
