By Stephen Kopko
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

HAWAII, United States- Yesterday, another state joined the ranks of those that recognize homosexual rights.  The Hawaii state legislature passed a bill that would allow for civil unions.  The legislation will go to the Governor for her approval or veto.

Hawaii has had a tradition in the homosexual rights debate.  In 1993, Hawaii became the first state to allow same-sex marriage after their Supreme Court found it was constitutional.  Nevertheless, the citizens of the state passed an amendment to their Constitution in 1998 that protected heterosexual marriage.  The amendment allowed the legislature to pass a law banning same-sex marriage.

Despite the constitutional amendment, House Bill 444 grants greater protections and rights to same-sex couples.  In essence, the legislation grants same-sex couples the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples.  It also offers protections and benefits to unmarried heterosexual couples.

Previously, the legislation was approved by the Hawaii Senate by an eighteen to seven vote. Originally thought to be off the legislature’s agenda for this year’s session, House Majority Leader Bill Oshiro called the measure for debate yesterday afternoon.   Many supporters of same-sex unions believed the legislation to be dead.  In January State House leaders determined to indefinitely postpone action on the bill.  However, the legislation was passed in House by a thirty-one to twenty vote. Governor Linda Lindle has forty-five days to decide whether to sign the legislation into law or veto it.

Opponents of same-sex civil unions will pressure Governor Lindle to veto the legislation.  Writing to his congregation, Bishop Larry Silva stated; “We need you to mount a campaign to flood the governor’s office with requests to veto the bill.” Supporters of same-sex civil unions were surprised that the House voted for the legislation during this year’s session and were pleased with the outcome.

If the legislation is signed into law, Hawaii will join California, Nevada, New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon as the sixth state to recognize same-sex civil unions.  Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington D.C., Iowa, Connecticut, and New Hampshire allow same-sex marriage.

For more information, please see:

CNN-Hawaii lawmakers pass civil unions bill-30 April 2010

MSNBC-Hawaii lawmakers OK civil unions, send bill to gov-30 April 2010

Honolulu Advertiser-Hawaii Legislature Oks historic civil unions bill; governor now must decide-29 April 2010