Breaking: Hawaii Governor Signs Same-Sex Marriage Bill Into Law (Video, Photos)

Before 200 invited guests in an invitation-only ceremony, Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie just signed historic legislation extending marriage to same-sex couples in the state of Hawaii. “Done!,” the Governor said upon placing his signature on the bill.

The ceremony began with a traditional native Hawaiian chant by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, and was followed by an introduction from Attorney General David Louie, who tirelessly explained and defended, over and over, the same-sex marriage bill before both the Senate and the House.

“Today is a great day in Hawaii Nei,” Louie said, as he introduced five-time Grammy nominee Amy Hanaialii and Willie K, local stars who joined together for the first time to celebrate the festivities. They sang a medley of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The crowd, according to a plethora of tweets, was crying by the time they were done.

An emotional Sen. Hee says he asked Sen. Galuteria this morning if he had a handkerchief. He said use your tie. #SB1 #hi4m #SpecialSession

— Nathan Eagle (@NathanEagle) November 13, 2013

Louie said today was a “rare moment in history… for same-sex couples. They say justice delayed is justice denied, but no longer. Today we move into a new era of Aloha.”

Senator Clayton Hee, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, told a beautiful story, and concluded that in his mind, bringing marriage equality to Hawaii was “a simple thing to do.”

Rep. Chris Lee asked his colleagues in the House who supported the legislation to stand, calling them “the folks who paved the way” for equality. “It is never the wrong time to do the right thing,” Lee told the applauding crowd.

Governor Abercrombie introduced his wife, Dr. Nancie Caraway, and mentioned their shared love of the playwright Tony Kushner. The First Lady read from Kushner’s “Angels in America”:

“The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come. Bye now. You are fabulous creatures, each and every one. And I bless you: More life. The Great Work Begins.”

The Governor talked about the true meaning of “Aloha,” and then read the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “I submit to you, this [legislation] is the epitome of the First Amendment in action.”

Abercrombie, clearly a student of the law and of history, also read from Edmund Burke.

“In Hawaii, we believe in fairness, justice and human equality,” Abercrombie said in a statement issued upon the bill’s final passage yesterday. “We embrace the Aloha spirit and respect one another. Today, we celebrate our diversity defining us rather than dividing us.

“I believe this bill provides equal rights for all people, is legally sound, and is in accord with the Hawaii State Constitution.

“I look forward to signing this significant piece of legislation, which provides marriage equity and fully recognizes and protects religious freedoms.”

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