After an eleven hour day of debate, marred by dozens of anti-gay protestors clamoring to “let the people vote,” attempts to include extreme religious exemptions, and exceptionally high emotions, last night the Hawaii House passed the second reading of its same-sex marriage bill, 30-18.
Attempts to “kill the bill” were bipartisan, and one lawmaker who is lesbian, voted against the bill’s passage.
Lawmakers tried to get their colleagues to delay further consideration of the bill, to put a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage on the ballot, to allow parents to exempt their children from learning about homosexuality — which one lawmaker described as allowing parents to “inoculate” children from homosexuality — and to allow broad personal religious conscience exemptions.
All were defeated.
WATCH: Christian Anti-Gay Marriage ‘Mob’ Now Protesting Outside Hawaii State House
Despite appearances from what some have called an “angry mob” of anti-gay religious opponents protesting the marriage equality bill, there is a strong coalition of religious leaders who support the legislation.
Right now, more than 30 faith leaders are gathered at the #SpecialSession speaking out in favor of #SB1! #HI4M pic.twitter.com/NCzRgKmtVp
— Hawaii United (@HI4Marriage) November 6, 2013
Unbelievable disrespect happening as clergy is speaking and overtaken by angry mob #SpecialSession pic.twitter.com/sr6x7WkwAF
— Tia (@Tia_PK) November 6, 2013
Throughout the debate, lawmakers inside the chamber could hear the shouts from anti-gay protesters outside. Armed sheriff’s deputies were on hand in case they were needed.
One lawmaker, Marcus Oshiro, “seemed to relish his role as a mini-filibusterer, Hawaii’s version of Ted Cruz or Rand Paul,” Honolulu Civil Beat reported. But “the most emotional moment of the evening came when Jordan, an openly gay Democrat who represents the west side of Oahu, explained why she was voting no on something she acknowledged she could personally benefit from.”
“I personally believe I should have the right,” she said, but added that she couldn’t support the current language in the bill.
Lawmakers are now in a 48 hour holding period, which is standard procedure. They are scheduled to reconvene at 10:00 AM local time for the third and final reading of the bill, and then the final vote.
After last night’s 30-18 vote, clearly there is sufficient desire in the House to pass the bill, so chances are extremely strong it will pass the House Friday. After that, the Senate will have to approve any changes the House made, which should not be a challenge, and then Governor Neil Abercrombie will sign it into law.
If all goes well, Hawaii will have same-sex marriage on December 2.
Image, top, by Pedro Haro via Twitter