- Joined
- Apr 25, 2010
- Messages
- 80,422
- Reaction score
- 29,075
- Location
- Pittsburgh
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Independent
Hawaii begins debate over whether to legalize gay marriage | Reuters
Gay Marriage Bill Should Be Passed After More Religious Liberty Protections Are Included | Hawaii Reporter
Hawaii lawmakers question benefits of gay marriage legislation at start of crowded hearing - The Washington Post
Hawaii Set To Legalize Gay Marriage In Special Legislative Session | Bustle
Hawaii could become next state to legalize same-sex marriage - NY Daily News
Seems Hawaii has it locked up and they will be the 15th state to have equal rights!
While i think the extra legislation about protecting churches is a complete puppet show and waste of time since the 1st amendment exists and isn't going anywhere, if it gives the conspiracy theorists and worry warts peace of mind Im fine with it.
Now with that said OF COURSE churches should never be forced to marry anybody and i support that 100% but its a non-issue that never came up before.
Churches discriminate right now! They turn away STRAIGHT couples based on race, being interracial, not religious enough etc everyday because they have the right too and thats not going anywhere.
Anyway early congratulations Hawaii on being state 15 with equal rights.
Back Up links:[h=1]Hawaii begins debate over whether to legalize gay marriage[/h]
The debate this week in Hawaii, which allows civil unions, comes at a time of increasing momentum for gay marriage in the courts, at the ballot box and statehouses across the country.
The governor stressed that the proposal was crafted to address opponents' concerns that legalizing gay marriage would infringe on religious freedom. The proposal exempts clergy and churches from having to perform same-sex marriages.
"Our whole focus has been on trying to accommodate the First Amendment here with respect to people's religious rights, and that's been done in good faith," Abercrombie said.
Hearings in the state House of Representatives are scheduled to open on Thursday.
Democrats hold an overwhelming majority over Republicans in both chambers - 24-1 in the Senate and 44-7 in the House - virtually assuring passage of a gay marriage bill.
Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie appeared as the first witness in support of the measure with more than 1,800 people signed up to address the state Senate Judiciary Committee during a special session called by the governor.
The debate this week in Hawaii, which allows civil unions, comes at a time of increasing momentum for gay marriage in the courts, at the ballot box and statehouses across the country.
The governor stressed that the proposal was crafted to address opponents' concerns that legalizing gay marriage would infringe on religious freedom. The proposal exempts clergy and churches from having to perform same-sex marriages.
"Our whole focus has been on trying to accommodate the First Amendment here with respect to people's religious rights, and that's been done in good faith," Abercrombie said.
Hearings in the state House of Representatives are scheduled to open on Thursday.
Democrats hold an overwhelming majority over Republicans in both chambers - 24-1 in the Senate and 44-7 in the House - virtually assuring passage of a gay marriage bill.
Gay Marriage Bill Should Be Passed After More Religious Liberty Protections Are Included | Hawaii Reporter
Hawaii lawmakers question benefits of gay marriage legislation at start of crowded hearing - The Washington Post
Hawaii Set To Legalize Gay Marriage In Special Legislative Session | Bustle
Hawaii could become next state to legalize same-sex marriage - NY Daily News
Seems Hawaii has it locked up and they will be the 15th state to have equal rights!
While i think the extra legislation about protecting churches is a complete puppet show and waste of time since the 1st amendment exists and isn't going anywhere, if it gives the conspiracy theorists and worry warts peace of mind Im fine with it.
Now with that said OF COURSE churches should never be forced to marry anybody and i support that 100% but its a non-issue that never came up before.
Churches discriminate right now! They turn away STRAIGHT couples based on race, being interracial, not religious enough etc everyday because they have the right too and thats not going anywhere.
Anyway early congratulations Hawaii on being state 15 with equal rights.