The state Senate on Friday approved Senate Bill 232, relating to Civil Unions, at its regular daily session. The bill says unmarried, unrelated couples may have a judge or clergy solemnize their civil union, which will provide the same responsibilities and benefits of marriage under state law.
The bill passed the full Senate 19-6. The six no votes were Sens. Donna Kim, Will Espero, Ron Kouchi, Mike Gabbard, Sam Slom and Donovan Delacruz.
The bill is nearly identical to HB 444, which passed last year in the last moments of the legislature, only to be vetoed by Gov. Linda Lingle. New Gov. Neil Abercrombie has promised to sign whatever civil unions legislation is approved. Abercrombie has said he it is a simple issue of civil rights.
Click here for gay marriage resources in Hawaii.
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