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Written by Lisa Neff, Staff writer
Feb 24, 2011
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie. – Photo: Courtesy
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie was set to sign into law Feb. 23 the bill establishing civil unions for same-sex couples.
The ceremony was scheduled to take place as WiG went to press, with the governor planning a live broadcast on the state website.
Abercrombie had 10 days to sign the legislation that passed the Hawaii Senate Feb. 16 with an 18-5 vote. The house passed the bill earlier this year.
The legislative vote for civil unions was the second in 10 months. Last year, lawmakers passed a similar measure extending marriage-like benefits – but not marriage – to same-sex couples, but it was vetoed at the 11th hour by then Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican.
Abercrombie, a Democrat and former congressman, said Feb. 16, “I have always believed that civil unions respect our diversity, protect people’s privacy and reinforce our core values of equality and aloha.
“I appreciate all the time and effort invested by those who shared their thoughts and concerns regarding civil unions in Hawaii. This has been an emotional process for everyone involved, but that process is now ended. Everyone has been heard; all points of view respected.
“For me, this bill represents equal rights for all the people of Hawaii.”
Marriage equality activists celebrated in Honolulu.
“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, the state’s largest LGBT civil rights group. “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.”
