|
 Hawaii Lawmakers Kill Civil Unions Bill
by The Associated Press
Posted: February 28, 2007 - 8:00 am ET
(Honolulu, Hawaii) Hawaii lawmakers
effectively killed a proposal to create civil unions for gay couples by
declining to vote on the legislation.
More than 100 people packed
the House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday night, many waving pink signs
reading, "Civil Unions. Equal protection, justice for all." At least
400 people submitted extensive written or oral testimony.
After five hours of testimony,
though, the committee declined to vote. Representatives offered little
explanation to the public, but it was a sign that the bill lacked enough support
to become law.
Civil unions had been
suggested as a way for the state to sidestep a controversy over gay marriage,
but they proved to be nearly as contentious.
Opponents argued that civil
unions were being used as a step toward legalizing gay marriage. Proponents said
they want the legal guarantees granted to married couples, such as tax breaks,
adoption rights and health benefits.
"This is essentially a
re-examination of the same-sex marriage issue except with a different
title," said Kelly Rosati, a spokeswoman for the Hawaii Catholic Church and
executive director for the Hawaii Family Forum.
Gay rights advocates said the
law was needed in order to give same-sex couples equal rights as heterosexuals.
"For me, it's very clear
cut that it's gender discrimination," said Scott Orton, who is gay. "I
would like to take on a partner in the future and have the same rights as a
married person."
Hawaii nearly legalized gay
marriages more than a decade ago before stiff public opposition came from family
advocacy groups, the Catholic Church and the Mormon Church.
A decision by the Hawaii
Supreme Court would have allowed same-sex marriages, but a 1998 constitutional
amendment and a law defined marriage as between two people of opposite sexes.
Vermont, Connecticut and New
Jersey already have civil union laws. Massachusetts is the only state to allow
same-sex marriages.
©365Gay.com 2007
|
Entertainment
