REPORT FROM THE HAWAII ATTORNEY GENERAL – HONOLULU – On January 29, 2014, state court Judge Karl Sakamoto upheld the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013, declaring it constitutional under both the state and federal constitutions.
In October 2013, Hawaii State Representative Bob McDermott and three other individuals challenged the constitutionality of the Hawaii Legislature’s authority to enact a law that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Hawaii. Judge Sakamoto, in earlier rulings, had denied plaintiffs’ request that the State be preliminarily enjoined from enacting the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013 and then the implementation of the law. On Wednesday, Attorney General Louie asked the Court to enter final judgment in favor of the Defendants, Governor Abercrombie and the Director of the Department of Health. The Court agreed to do so.
In his ruling from the bench, Judge Sakamoto noted the importance of marriage under the federal constitution, drawing an analogy to Loving v. Virginia, the landmark United States Supreme Court case that struck down state laws banning inter-racial marriage. He concluded that the Marriage Equality Act is consistent with Article I, section 23 of the Hawaii State Constitution, and that “same-sex marriage is legal.”
The Hawaii Marriage Equality Act went into effect on December 2, 2013, making the State of Hawaii the 15th State to recognize marriage equality. The State Department of Health’s records show that more than 670 same-sex couples have married in Hawaii since then. In addition, more than 230 same-sex couples have requested licenses to marry, meaning that the number of same-sex couples married in Hawaii will soon exceed 900.
Attorney General Louie stated he was not surprised by Judge Sakamoto’s ruling, and continued, “We are particularly pleased that the Court ruled expeditiously, because we do not want any uncertainty for the many couples who have chosen to take advantage of this law. Marriage equality is the law of the land in Hawaii.”
Judge Sakamoto’s ruling ends the case in the circuit court. Plaintiffs will have the option of appealing Judge Sakamoto’s decision after the final judgment is entered.
Now that the courts have ruled that marriage equality is OK, perhaps the editor of this blog will once again allow publication of essays I write. My three most recent submissions were summarily rejected without explanation, apparently because I submitted an essay arguing that marriage equality is a matter of civil rights.
Amazingly simple. One man over rules the poeple on landmark legislation/policy. Then, One other man upholds it as constitutional. 2 man democracy.
And one bitter organization; The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights organization:
"We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination," the group said in a letter to Obama, asking why he gave pastor Rick. Warren such a visible role at his swearing-in. "By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table," said Warren's opposition to gay marriage is a sign of intolerance.
This was 5 yrs. ago….& B.O. is STILL intimidated by them….what a wimp.
This is why we have courts, to interpret our Constitution and apply it accordingly. Just because a bunch of bigots get together to deny rights to a minority of citizens doesn't make it right or Constitutional.
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