Hawaii one step closer to civil unions for gay, lesbian couples
”This is a matter of civil rights. We would no longer feel that we’re second-class citizens…. We would have a sense of pride and integrity because the state has finally recognized us as equal.”
Gary Okabayashi of Honolulu, who is hoping to enter a legally recognized civil union with his partner after 32 years. The Hawaii Senate passed a civil unions bill (19-6) in early February. The bill was then sent to the state’s House for a vote, and on Friday it passed (31-19). AP quotes Blake Oshiro, a gay Representative as saying:
”It’s all about being treated like everybody else…. Let today be that day where we move ever closer to justice for all.”
The bill is now to be sent back to the Senate for a final review before heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D), who has announced his intention to sign the bill.
Hawaii’s pending accomplishment has been fought over for many years now — first as one of the earliest battles over gay marriage, and subsequently one of the most heart-wrenching defeats. Last year, former Gov. Linda Lingle (R) angered many by vetoing a similar civil unions bill. She claimed that her decision was not based on her personal beliefs.
Section 9 of the bill declares that civil unions are to be treated as marriage. Section 10 declares that legal unions and marriages from “other jurisdictions” that still won’t be recognized as marriage in Hawaii, will be considered civil unions.
9 Benefits, protections, and responsibilities. Partners to a civil union lawfully entered into pursuant to this chapter shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules, court decisions, the common law, or any other source of civil law, as are granted to those who contract, obtain a license, and are solemnized pursuant to chapter 572.
10 Civil unions performed in other jurisdictions. All unions entered into in other jurisdictions between two individuals not recognized under section 572-3 shall be recognized as civil unions; provided that the relationship meets the eligibility requirements of this chapter, has been entered into in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, and can be documented.
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