Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Moves Forward

Last year Hawaii almost saw passage of a civil unions bill but for the veto of its then twice divorced - and complete hypocrite - governor, Linda Lingle. This year, with a new governor who has said he will sign the civil unions bill if it reaches his desk, the legislative process has started once again and the civil unions bill has cleared a Senate committee. Unlike Virginia, Hawaii already has employment protections for its LGBT citizens and civil unions will be a big step towards full equality under the law for LGBT Hawaiians. With Illinois about to grant legal recognition to same sex couples, the progress in Hawaii will make anti-gay states even less competitive in the quest for progressive businesses and economic growth. No doubt Hawaiian Christianists who would prefer to keep gays second or third class citizens are not happy campers. KITV has coverage on the legislative process and here are some highlights:
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The state Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed a bill to provide civil unions, offering benefits and responsibilities identical to marriage, for unmarried couples. More than 70 people turned out to testify.
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The proposal has the support of a majority of lawmakers and new Gov. Neil Abercrombie. So, the goal of supporters is to pass the controversial legislation early in the season so it does not become a distraction or get delayed as other issues take lawmakers' attention.
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The civil unions bill is nearly identical to a measure that passed the Hawaii Legislature last year before it was vetoed by then-Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican. . . . The bill must go to the full Senate before moving to the House for further consideration.