Watch Live Now: Hawaii Senate Takes Historic Final Marriage Equality Vote

Now in their third week, the Hawaii legislature’s special session to debate same-sex marriage is near its end.

Today at 3:00PM ET, 10:00 AM local time in Honolulu, the state Senate will take the final vote on — and most likely — pass the marriage equality bill. At issue: the changes the House made last week, in the bill they finally passed late into Friday night — Saturday morning on the mainland.

Assuming the bill passes, Governor Neil Abercrombie will sign it, likely tomorrow. It would go into effect December 2.

Sadly, the signing event will be small and by invitation-only, due to security concerns.

Here’s an example of the extreme measures Honolulu police have had to take today:

#HILeg @hawaiisenate now open, bag checks & wanding in place w/ separate #SB1 opponents/supporters entrances #HINews pic.twitter.com/HtOBouR3cL

— Mileka Lincoln (@MilekaLincoln) November 12, 2013

You can watch the historic vote live here. If that link doesn’t work on your computer, visit olelo.org and click on the purple 55 icon on the left side of your screen.

Hawaii families should expect a lot of engagement announcements over Thanksgiving weekend.

Stay tuned to The New Civil Rights Movement for more news on this historic event!

The mood is great at the Capitol. The gallery is full. There’s a DJ outside. There’s rainbows everywhere. #SB1 pic.twitter.com/O3sOWIss6V

— Craig Ellenwood (@ellenwoodphoto) November 12, 2013

And for more on the Hawaii same-sex marriage battle, read:

Lawmaker: ‘Have The People Of Hawaii Not Done Enough? We Gave You Your Civil Unions’ (Video)

Hawaii Lawmaker: ‘People Aren’t Born Discriminating Against Same-Sex Couples’ They’re Taught To

After Illinois And Hawaii: Which State Will Make Same-Sex Marriage Legal — Maybe This Year?

 

Image by xicana25 via Instagram