The Hawaii State House passed a groundbreaking bill Friday that protects the LGBT community from unfair discrimination against marriage equality. The bill provides that equal rights and responsibilities of married couples in Hawaii be afforded to thousands of non-married couples in the state, including same-sex LGBT couples.
Equality Hawaii, the state’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, applauded the Hawaii State House for passing the groundbreaking bill.
“Today is a great day for the people of Hawaii,” said Alan Spector, co-chair for Equality Hawaii. “The action taken by the House today sends a strong message that our state recognizes the importance of moving towards equality. Providing equal rights to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is long overdue and we thank all those who have stood with us to make this day a reality.”
The bill now heads back to the Senate for agreement on slight amendments that were made in the House, thereafter heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature.
After minor changes were made in the House, the bill now heads to back to the Senate for agreement on the amendments before heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature.
“No child of a same-sex family should have to grow up with less protections or thinking their family is less legitimate or loving than others.” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
While states are taking measures to recognize same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian couples do not receive federal rights or benefits. Hawaii joins thirteen other states plus Washington, D.C. that provide laws that in some way protect gay and lesbian couples.
