REPORT FROM THE STATE SENATE MAJORITY– The Hawaii State Senate today passed a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in the State of Hawaii.
“The Senate’s passage of this bill marks an historic step towards equality, fairness, and justice,” said Senator Clayton Hee, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor. “I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House as this measure moves forward.”
Senate Bill (SB) 1, Relating to Equal Rights, recognizes marriages between individuals of the same gender. In addition, the measure extends to same-sex couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of marriage to which opposite-sex couples are presently entitled.
“This measure represents the Senate’s best effort to strike a balance between religious freedom and equal rights,” said Senator Hee. “Language has been included that preserves the sincerely held religious beliefs of religious organizations.”
Incorporating public input, the Senate’s measure takes into account the concerns expressed by both the religious community and same-sex advocates. SB 1 recognizes freedom of religion by:
- Exempting a religious organization from liability for refusing to make its facilities or grounds available for solemnization of any marriage celebration if the religious organization does not make its facilities or grounds available to the public for solemnization of any marriage celebration for a profit; and
- Specifying examples of the types of religious organization activities that do not constitute “for a profit.”
The measure has been transmitted to the House for consideration.
To review the bill, receive more information about special session, and keep updated about the bill’s status, please go to: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession.aspx?year=2013b
■Specifying examples of the types of religious organization activities that do not constitute “for a profit.” like religiious based schools will have to accept same-sex marriages on campus? Some preschools WILL CLOSE INSTEAD!
A good topic for U.S. Senator Brian Schatz and a panel of community leaders at the Hawaii Family Issues Summit to discuss the issues facing working families in Hawaii. Learn more about equal pay, caregiving for our keiki and kupuna, early education and college affordability. This event, which is in collaboration with University of Hawaii Windward Community College and University of Hawaii Maui College, is free and open to the public.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
12:30 p.m. — Registration Opens
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Summit
University of Hawaii Windward Community College
Hale Akoakoa Room 101
45-720 Keaahala Rd., Kaneohe, HI 96744
Space is limited. Please RSVP by Nov. 6
Other news reports; "…21 of 25 Senators are approved it." Almost all those approving SB 1 also approved of HART's rail
AS prof. Peterson stated "democracy isn't always the best policy."
Best modern example is our elected Obama's administration on foreign policy. He & his staff, whom he stated of; "I've thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together.
End result is they have made USA the laughing stock of the world.
There is no good reason to deny that we must keep evolving until an adult, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, monogamy or polyamory, race, or religion is free to marry any and all consenting adults. The limited same-gender freedom to marry is a great and historic step, but is NOT full marriage equality, because equality "just for some" is not equality. Let's stand up for EVERY ADULT'S right to marry the person(s) they love. Get on the right side of history!
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