On April 29th, the Hawaii Legislature overwhelmingly passed House Bill 444, which grants same-sex couples in civil unions "the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities" as those enjoyed by married couples.
Republican Governor Linda Lingle is reportedly undecided about whether to sign or veto Hawaii's civil unions bill. Her decision could come any day.
The DLCC is collecting petitions asking that the civil unions bill be signed into law.
More below the fold...
With so much else dominating the news (health care, the economy, the floods and oil spill, etc.), every bit of momentum for equal rights is at a premium right now. This bill is the most important legislative accomplishment on equal rights that we’ve seen in months.
IF SIGNED INTO LAW, this bill will dramatically improve the lives of thousands of Hawaii families, and it will help add momentum to the nation-wide movement for equal rights.
IF VETOED, it could be years before Hawaiians get another chance to take a step towards equality.
Civil unions and marriage aren’t the same thing, and we know that. But we believe every step toward equality, wherever it happens, is a step we need to take.
Governor Lingle has until July 6th to make a decision on this bill. We hope and pray she does the right thing. But in the mean time, we're adding our voice to the call - click here to sign the petition and add yours.
Sincerely,
Michael Sargeant
Executive Director
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
[cross-posted at dlcc.org]