Aloha, everyone!
Thought you might like to know that Hawaii's State House of Representatives passed yesterday a Civil Unions Bill that authorizes same-sex (and opposite-sex) partnerships. Now, civil partnerships are entitled to the same benefits as married people. The Governor has 45 days to act on it--she may either sign it into law, or VETO it altogether, or she will do nothing with it and let it go into effect quietly after the 45 days, which should be around the July 4th weekend. Right now, the popular public opinion is for her to sign it already... But there are a lot of details that have to be sorted out, such as what happens when the relationship breaks up, division of property, custody and support of children, etc., etc.. etc.
Earlier this year, when the bill was re-introduced (because although the local Senate passed it, the House did not and set it aside), a new argument was presented that the bill would ALSO benefit opposite-sex (unmarried) couples, and everyone came to their senses and realized that the bill--if passed--would be in everybody's best interests. But don't count out the Fundamentalists and the Mormons and others who had opposed the bill--everybody is expecting them to retaliate in one way or another. On the other hand, they could all sober up, pack up their shit and go home, and and let it slide quietly into effect.
In the meantime, you all take care and stay well... Thanks for your attention!
okayfine
Thought you might like to know that Hawaii's State House of Representatives passed yesterday a Civil Unions Bill that authorizes same-sex (and opposite-sex) partnerships. Now, civil partnerships are entitled to the same benefits as married people. The Governor has 45 days to act on it--she may either sign it into law, or VETO it altogether, or she will do nothing with it and let it go into effect quietly after the 45 days, which should be around the July 4th weekend. Right now, the popular public opinion is for her to sign it already... But there are a lot of details that have to be sorted out, such as what happens when the relationship breaks up, division of property, custody and support of children, etc., etc.. etc.
Earlier this year, when the bill was re-introduced (because although the local Senate passed it, the House did not and set it aside), a new argument was presented that the bill would ALSO benefit opposite-sex (unmarried) couples, and everyone came to their senses and realized that the bill--if passed--would be in everybody's best interests. But don't count out the Fundamentalists and the Mormons and others who had opposed the bill--everybody is expecting them to retaliate in one way or another. On the other hand, they could all sober up, pack up their shit and go home, and and let it slide quietly into effect.
In the meantime, you all take care and stay well... Thanks for your attention!
okayfine