In Hawaii, civil unions are now law of the land

From the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Less than a year after seeing the push for civil unions vetoed, gay rights advocates cheered as Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Feb. 23 at historic Washington Place signed into law a bill legalizing civil unions and making Hawaii the seventh state to grant such privileges to same-sex couples. The ceremony was broadcast live on television and the Internet as Abercrombie, a Democrat who campaigned on a promise to sign the bill if it reached his desk, reversed the decision made by his Republican predecessor.

"E Komo Mai: It means all are welcome," Abercrombie said before signing the bill into law. "This signing today of this measure says to all of the world that they are welcome. That everyone is a brother or sister here in paradise. … The legalization of civil unions in Hawaii represents in my mind equal rights for all people," he said.

Not everyone was thrilled with the new law. "It's a sad day for the people of Hawaii," said Sen. Mike Gabbard. "Politicians have shown that they just don't care about the views and values of the majority of Hawaii's residents."

The Hawaii Catholic Conference issued a statement expressing disappointment. "Passage of this legislation is just a step towards the legalization of same-sex marriage," read the statement.

Gov. Linda Lingle had characterized it as same-sex marriage by another name, which she opposed, saying the issue was too important for government to decide and should be put to the people for a vote. She vetoed the proposal in July. Click here to read more.