Is Hawaii Next for Gay Marriage? Local Gay Rights Advocates Say Yes

A Civil Beat Poll in May asked, "Do you believe that same-sex couples should or should not have the legal right to get married?" Of registered Hawaii voters surveyed, just 37 percent said yes, 51 percent said no and 12 percent weren't sure. There are several local groups committed to blocking the gay marriage tide. They include the Hawaii Christian Coalition, which has identified "the Gay Agenda"...

Honolulu Civil Beat • Nov 26, 2012

Senate OKs Bills on Civil Unions, Task Force Exemptions, OIP Challenges

House Bill 2569, which would amend the state's civil unions law to allow religious organizations to deny use of their facilities for a solemnization ceremony. The measure passed 22-3, with Sens. Kim, Slom and Gabbard voting no....

Honolulu Civil Beat • May 2, 2012

Expanding Religious Exemptions to Civil Unions?

As currently drafted, however, the bill would allow religious organizations and groups affiliated with them to deny "services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges" that are "related to the solemnization of a civil union."...

Honolulu Civil Beat • Mar 20, 2012

Hawaii Celebrates First Civil Unions

Four Hawaii same-sex couples celebrated civil unions just after midnight Sunday at a party in east Honolulu. The festivities were marked by a proclamation from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, a stark contrast from an event less than two years ago at the state Capitol when then-Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a civil unions bill at a public ceremony....

Honolulu Civil Beat • Jan 2, 2012

Federal Judge Clears Way for Hawaii Civil Unions

It's all systems go for civil unions in Hawaii, according to a court order issued Friday afternoon. The order was a relief for four couples who feared the new law allowing their legal unions on New Year's Day might be put on hold before it even went into effect....

Honolulu Civil Beat • Dec 31, 2011

State Says Halting Civil Unions Would Be 'Devastating' for Hawaii

The Hawaii attorney general's office says blocking civil unions would "wreak havoc" on the state. The statement came in a response to a lawsuit filed by two churches seeking to prevent Hawaii's new civil unions law from going into effect on New Year's Day....

Honolulu Civil Beat • Dec 30, 2011