HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Senate on Friday passed a civil unions bill that would grant same-sex and heterosexual partners essentially the same protections, rights and benefits currently extended to married couples.
The bill says unmarried, unrelated couples may have a judge or clergy solemnize their civil union, which will provide the same responsibilities and benefits of marriage under state law, reports KITV-TV.
The bill passed the full Senate 19-6.
The bill is nearly identical to a bill last year, only to be vetoed by then Gov. Linda Lingle, a Repblican.
Hawaii’s new Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie has promised to sign civil unions legislation if approved, calling it a simple issue of civil rights.
After Friday’s vote, the measure moves to the state House, where, leaders said they expect it to pass by a wide margin.
If passed into law, Hawaii would become the sixth state to grant essentially the same rights of marriage to same-sex couples, albeit without authorizing marriage itself.
Filed under: Hawaii
FINALLY some good news!
Its a start
Yet another step in the right direction
LUCKY HAWAII!! :D
Let our Native Tribes lead the way….Peace Harmony Love and RESPECT for All
yes! x)
Moving to Hawaii!
Yay! Another great reason to visit Hawaii!
Ready to pack up and move from backwater, sandbox Arizona for civilization!
Another small step toward equality.
Yayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
I hope this gets official before my man starts riding a moped. I want to be called FIRST if he’s in an accident. Now I just have to convince him to marry me. Hmmmmmm.