Saturday, January 23, 2010

Hawaii Senate passes civil unions bill - By MARK NIESSE – The Washington Post


HONOLULU -- The Hawaii Senate approved same-sex civil unions Friday, potentially setting up the measure for final passage as soon as next week. Photo

The Senate passed the bill on an 18-7 vote, moving it to the House and signaling that the Senate's Democratic majority has enough votes to override a possible veto from Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. Photo

The House has yet to decide if it will vote on the bill. House leaders say they will take up the bill if they have a veto-proof two-thirds majority but may let it die if they have only a small majority.

"It's very close," said Democratic Speaker of the House Calvin Say. "During an election year, this issue is so divisive that it may hurt many of our members."

The bill would grant gay and straight couples the same rights and benefits the state provides to married couples.

Five other states - Colorado, Wisconsin, Maryland, Maine and New Jersey - allow civil unions. Five states - Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut - permit same-sex marriage. Read complete article - By MARK NIESSEThe Washington Post

Related links:

Hawaii Senate passes civil-unions bill with veto-proof majority, 18-7 - Honolulu Advertiser

Senate passes civil-unions bill Hawaii News Now

Senate Passes Civil Unions Bill KHON2

Heads Up Notice of this News article – courtesy of - The Time Of My Life

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