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Loading ...Hawaii lawmakers cautious on future of civil union bill
03.06.2009 4:11pm EST
(Honolulu, Hawaii) A bill that would allow civil unions for same-sex couples remains stalled in committee with Senate leaders uncertain how to move forward.
Last month, after 15 hours of hearings, the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee tied 3-3 on whether to advance the bill to the full Senate.Senate leaders could move the bill from the committee directly to the Senate floor for a vote if they had nine of the Senate’s 25 members agreeing.
Privately, at least nine senators have told LGBT groups they support the legislation, but are fearful of a voter backlash if they approve the seldom-used maneuver to force a full Senate vote.
That has left Senate leaders with trying to either push for a committee re-vote or get a majority – at least 13 Senators – to agree to move it directly to the full Senate.
Right now it appears there is no consensus on either plan.
Following a caucus Thursday, majority Democrats said they would not rush a Senate decision.
It now appears likely they will wait until work on other bills is finished next week.
The legislation passed the state House last month on a 33 – 17 vote.
The measure would legalize civil unions with all of the benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. It also would allow domestic partnerships entered into in other states where they are legal. Marriages from Massachusetts and Connecticut would be regarded as civil unions.
Under the legislation, same-sex couples would have to obtain a license and then have the civil union performed by a judge, a retired judge or a member of the clergy.
In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court was the first in the country to rule that barring same-sex marriage could be a violation of the state constitutional protection of equal rights.
In 1997, the Legislature passed a domestic partner law allowing gay couples to register with the state Department of Health. It allowed couples to have rights as reciprocal beneficiaries in hospital visitations, inheritance and property, and the ability to sue for wrongful death.
But in 1998, as calls for same-sex marriage, increased nearly 70 percent of Hawaii voters passed a constitutional amendment giving the Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
I’m a lesbian who just lost her best friend and life mate this jan. 09, and because we weren’t allowed by state and fed. law. I was not recognized by the state as her next of kin, I was able to do half of what she wanted, I was nit allowed to collect her ash for scattering her ashes in the ocean [she did do the paperwork as well.
If you have a life partner please do all the paper work that needs to be done so your survivor is protected as well as yourself
Those senate democrats in Hawaii sound like a bunch of cowards…talk about mediocre leadership.
Emphasize that the reason there is fear of a backlash and therefor commitment of Senate to vote gay rights is because the crowd sizes demonstrating. I’ve only seen photos of Hawaii but it appears the anti gay rights demos are far bigger than the pro gay rights demos. We have not been putting our bodies on the line and shouting as loud as our detractors.
In Sacramento recently and in Chico, California I have been disappointed at our low turnouts. Wake up folks. And those that do come to rallies call a few friends and ask them to call a few friends. That’s what our enemies are doing. Politicians feel strongest with a crowd behind them. They don’t want to be recalled or voted out. You don’t have to do anything at a rally but be there.
CAUTIOUS ?? OVER GIVING US OUR CIVIL RIGHTS?? W T F !??
UNCERTAIN !!!!!???????????? JUST DO IT !!!!!! LETS ALL SUE THE STATES FOR DISCRIMMINATION AND THE GOUPS THAT PREVENT US FROM GETTING THEM–POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS !!!!!!!!!!!
It boggles the mind that an island economy would work so hard to lose business. In what may be a depression. No pineapple for you!
Aloha from Hawaii. Please don’t come to Homophobic Hawaii…spend your tourist dollars elsewhere. You are not welcome here. These islands are run by the big churches and others of like mind. They have spent thousands advertising everywhere against us. The missionaries stole our land and these religious organizations have stolen our Aloha.
Welcome to the 21 century, Hawaii, if you can get your act together.
Here is a novel idea in this economic downturn, with tourism facing major declines…approve the damn bill and encourage Gays and Lesbians to visit the Islands and spend their cash! What a great stimulus plan! Win Win for everyone!