A special session of the Hawaii state legislature, called to debate a same-sex marriage bill, begins today. The bill has strong support, including that of Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii United for Marriage is touting endorsements from over 800 organizations, elected lawmakers, and leaders of the faith community.
Yesterday, an “All You Need is Love” rally was held in the state capital of Honolulu. Couples like John and Jim, above, attended to show their support. Today, a rally backed by NOM, the National Organization For Marriage, titled, “Let the People Decide” is planned.
“In recent days, opponents of the bill have gathered on the sides of volcanic mountain highways and dense urban streets with signs saying ‘Let the People Vote on Marriage.'” Reuters reports:
“They’re starting House hearings on Halloween, when many of those opposed will be busy with their families, so we’re telling people to bring their kids trick-or-treating at the state capitol,” said Jim Hochberg, president of Hawaii Family Advocates, the leading group opposing the governor’s bill.
Donald Bentz, head of the gay rights group Equality Hawaii, said he was hopeful the bill would pass and said it was bad policy to allow voters – rather than lawmakers or the courts – to decide civil rights questions.
“Whenever you leave the rights of a minority up to the majority, that’s a bad day,” he said.
The passage of marriage equality in the Aloha State is anything but assured. Although Governor Abercrombie called the special session only because he was promised the votes to pass the legislation, there’s been nothing to indicate success or failure yet. The majority of Hawaii voters support same-sex marriage.
If the legislature passes the marriage bill, Hawaii could become the 15th state in the nation to extend marriage to same-sex couples. Illinois, New Mexico, and several other states are also debating equality.
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Image by Hawaii United via Twitter