11/12/2013

Washington - Today the Hawaii state Senate passed marriage equality legislation, putting the Aloha State on track to become the next state where gay and lesbian couples can legally marry. The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Neil Abercrombie for signature.

"The unprecedented momentum for LGBT equality in America continues today, with Hawaii’s passage of historic marriage legislation,” said Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin. “Before this year, marriage was the law of the land in eight states. By the end of this year, that number will have doubled to sixteen.  We’re committed to working harder than ever before to bring marriage equality to all 50 states, so loving gay and lesbian couples everywhere can enjoy the same hopes, dreams and aspirations as their straight peers.”

Sponsored by state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria in the state Senate and under the leadership of Senate Judiciary Chair Clayton Hee, House Speaker Joseph Souki, House Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads, House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke, Representative Chris Lee, Representative Della au Bellati, and Republican Representative Cynthia Thielen, Hawaii’s marriage equality legislation first passed the state Senate 20-4 on October 31, and the state House 30-19 on Friday, November 8.  The state Senate today passed the House-amended version 19 to 4. Hawaii’s marriage equality law will go into effect on December 2, 2013.

HRC has devoted significant resources working to secure marriage equality in Hawaii, including providing three field organizers and helping to generate 4224 phone calls, 2946 emails, and 3695 postcards to key legislators. HRC was a proud founding member of the Hawaii United for Marriage coalition.

The passage of marriage equality in Hawaii comes seven days after the Illinois state legislature passed its marriage equality legislation. That law will go into effect on June 1, 2014.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.