Hawaii Makes Moves to Allow Civil Unions

The Hawaii State House passed a measure in 2009 that would allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions within the state. The measure passed with 33 votes, nearly a super majority, but was unfortunately held up in the state Senate until the end of session. The bill passed both its first and second review, bute the Senate then amended the bill to include opposite sex couples – in effect pushing the third reading and final vote off to 2010. Hawaii’s session lasts two years, so the bill holds over through the summer and fall.

Now that legislators are coming back into session, the Senate has pledged to take up the bill in the first two weeks of the session, which begins on January 20. Senate Judiciary Chair Brian Tanaguchi has said publicly that the bill will pass the Senate.

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle recently stated that she would prefer the legislature not take up this legislation and focus on Hawaii’s economic problems. However Gov. Lingle has not said that she would veto the bill and she has allowed previous LGBT legislation to become law without her signature.

Advocates at Equality Hawaii have launched a new photo exhibit that captures the diversity of families in the state. Showcasing 20 different families, the photos illustrate the common dreams and struggles faced by every family in the Aloha State.

Stay updated on this story and others on the fight for marriage equality at HRC’s Back Story