The Honolulu Advertiser and 365gay.com are now reporting about Hawaii's most recent steps towards equality for their LGBT communities (i.e., Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities). On their pages, they explain that the Hawaiian House of Representatives has passed a bill 33-17 to give Civil Unions to Aloha State residents. Now the bill will be moving onto the Senate, where there's hope that it will pass. While the LGBT residents there have ultimately wanted "marriage," many are praising this bill as a step forward for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and more. The conservatives are, of course, saying this bill will "weaken the institution of marriage."
At 365gay.com, their Newscenter Staff is reporting today about the exciting news --
The measure would legalize civil unions with all of the benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. It also would recognize domestic partnerships entered into in other states. Marriages from Massachusetts and Connecticut would be regarded as civil unions. Under the legislation, same-sex couples would have to obtain a license and then have the civil union performed by a judge, a retired judge or a member of the clergy.
"It’s really inspiring for me today," said state House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro (D) the bill’s sponsor. But its main opponent, State Rep. Gene Ward (R) said it was the beginning of a "slippery slope" and that gays would not be satisfied until they got same-sex marriage. "This is not to condemn individuals, it’s to protect an institution," he said.
Now, I'm sure that some of you may be asking a question like - Civil Unions vs. Marriage - what's the difference? It's a valid question. I myself have thought about this a lot and I still have mixed feelings. But the way I always think about it is - Haven't we seen this before? Haven't we seen this idea of "separate but equal" in the past? Because for many people in LGBT communities - that's what this is - it's segregation. It's creating new forms of inequality, despite its promise of more rights.
And I should clarify - I am not trying to speak for all LGBT everywhere, nor am I a historian who knows all of civil rights history. This is my personal opinion, and I know that some may disagree. I respect your opinions, but this is what many of my friends and I feel. We have felt that Civil Unions follow a mindset of "separate, but equal," in which marriage remains a institution that is solely given to the dominant, most powerful group in U.S. society - heterosexual people.
I myself have had mixed feelings about civil unions because as a gay man myself, I have had hopes for marrying one day. Of course, I don't even live in Hawaii, but it's the idea of it. For me, marriage is about equality and the opportunity of it. I firmly believe we should all have the same rights - even if I'm not planning to get married anytime soon! And the thing is, I cannot put up with the conservatives standpoint on this. For me, the conservatives stance is a cover for their intolerance and hatred of LGBT communities. The Honolulu Advertiser's reporter, Derrick DePledge summed it best in his description:
Opponents, however, said gay activists would not be satisfied with civil unions and would eventually push for same-sex marriage, which they believe would weaken the institution of marriage.
Weaken the institution of marriage? How does the commitment between 2 loving people of the same sex threaten the love and marriage of two heterosexuals? I don't see that happening.
In my humble opinion, here's my take. The GOP are not afraid that LGBT people will "weaken" marriage. From my understanding, the GOP is afraid that gay civil unions (and marriage) will somehow pollute America's moral fabric. The GOP is afraid that this step forward will actually put gays and lesbians on more equal footing, which scares the hell out of them. If LGBT people were actually on equal footing, then the GOP would not be able to think of themselves as superior! And heaven forbid the GOP not be morally superior. Heaven forbid their egos level out and come back down to earth.
In any case, we will see what happens when this bill moves to Hawaii's Senate. I for one hope this passes in the Senate because there are certain possibilities and rights that open up. For instance, this bill would recognize the marriages and civil unions of LGBT people from outside the state of Hawaii. And that's a significant option that would be valuable. I'm sorry to be so passionate about this matter, but our country touts itself as being the "free world" where we have all these liberties. But the thing is, there's a lot of us who are still second class citizens in the eyes of the government and the world.
In many, many ways, I love this country, but I cannot stand by and remain silent while people are treated unfairly. I ask you to share your thoughts. I want more people to discuss the matter. Thanks!