The Hawaii State Senate voted 18-5 in favor of the Civil Unions bill and is now headed to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.
From the Star Advertiser: "I have always believed that civil unions respect our diversity, protect people's privacy, and reinforce our core values of equality and aloha," Gov. Abercrombie said in a statement after the vote.
"I appreciate all the time and effort invested by those who shared their thoughts and concerns regarding civil unions in Hawaii. This has been an emotional process for everyone involved, but that process is now ended. Everyone has been heard; all points of view respected.
"For me, this bill represents equal rights for all the people of Hawaii," Abercrombie said.
Hawaii will now become the seventh state to offer civil unions to it's citizens. Five states and Washington, D.C. offer marriage equality to same-sex couples. The civil unions status in Hawaii will afford couples all the rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities as traditional marriage.
Hawaii couples, gay and straight, can enter civil unions beginning in January.
Let's all celebrate the beautiful Aloha state!
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