Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Heads To Gov For Signing
HONOLULU - Equality Hawaii, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign are applauding the Hawaii legislature for approving civil unions for the second time in ten months. The bill, which was passed in its amended form by the Hawaii Senate on an 18-5 vote, now heads to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature.
"We honor and thank the legislature today for their commitment to equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Hawaii, said Alan Spector, co-chair of Equality Hawaii. “For the second time in less than a year, legislators have dedicated themselves to providing dignity and respect to all families in the Aloha State."
"Finally, Hawaii families that are barred from being married will have the same rights and responsibilities under state law as their colleagues, friends, neighbors and other family members," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
The Human Rights Campaign and Equality Hawaii have worked closely together since 2008 to build both public and legislative support for civil unions. Through this joint effort, tens of thousands of phone calls, emails, postcards and handwritten letters have been sent to legislators urging them to approve this legislation.
Equality Hawaii is dedicated to securing equality for all Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
