By a vote of 31-19 the Hawaii State House approved the Civil Unions bill moving through the state legislature. The bill provides the same rights and responsibilities of married couples be afforded to non-married couples, including same-sex couples.
The bill now heads back to the State Senate for approval of minor changes and corrections. The bill previously passed in the State Senate on January 28 by a vote of 19-6.
Governor Neil Abercrombie has indicated he has every intention of signing the bill into law.
Once signed, Hawaii will join 13 other states and the District of Columbia in offering important state level recognition of same-sex relationships. Marriage equality does not exist on a federal level due to the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits same-sex couples enjoyment of civil marriage rights.
Great day in the world. Egypt moves towards democracy and Hawaii extends some equality to the LGBT community. Seeing folks move towards equal rights get me down right giddy.
Keep moving forward kids - no fear.
(via the Human Rights Campaign)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.