Hawaii state Senator Clayton Hee just told reporters he expects the revised same-sex marriage bill the House passed late last night to sail through the Senate and pass, 21-4. “I believe each member understands the weight of justice embodied in this proposal,” Senator Hee, Chair of the Judiciary Committee said in an afternoon press conference.
LOOK:Â Hawaii House Passes Same-Sex Marriage, To Become 16th Equality State
Tuesday’s vote in the Senate to approve changes the House made is the final journey for the marriage equality bill, before it heads to Governor Neil Abercrombie’s desk to be signed into law.
The bill would go into effect December 2.
WATCH:Â Video As It Happened: Roll Call Vote As Hawaii House Passes Marriage Equality, And Crowd Response
“There are very few opportunities to participate in government in decisions that define your career,” Senator Hee said, according to an AP report. “And this is one of those decisions that will define the careers of all of the members in the Legislature.”
WATCH:Â As Hawaii Lawmakers Endlessly Debate Marriage, Equality Activists Stage Flashmob Dance
Last night’s bill passed the House 30-19 after a week’s worth of debate and testimony, including attempts by opponents to attach 29 poison pill or religious conscience amendments, which all failed.
Image: Marriage equality supporters cheer as the House passes the same-sex marriage bill last night. Photo Mileka Lincoln via Twitter.