Wednesday was a monumental day for gay rights activists. The passage of SB232 and the promise Gov. Abercrombie made to sign the legislation has many supporters feeling giddy. The bill would extend the same rights, benefits, and protections to homosexual/heterosexual couples, as those extended to couples from a traditional marriage. This would serve as strictly a state recognized law. Sen. Sam Slom, who voted against SB232, asked that the Senate focus on economic issues rather than social issues. Another no vote came from Sen. Mike Gabbard who told colleagues to consider amendments which would include blood relatives. Support came from Sen. Clayton Hee who held Associate Justice, Sabrina McKenna, as an example of justice being served by SB232. McKenna is openly gay and was confirmed to the position of Associate Justice minutes before the civil-unions vote. The legislation passed by a 18-5 vote.
Here is a breakdown of how the Senate voted on SB232:
Yes:
Rosalyn Baker
Suzanne Chun Oakland
J. Kalani English
Carol Fukunaga
Brickwood Galuteria
Josh Green
Clayton Hee
David Ige
Les Ihara Jr.
Gilbert Kahele
Michelle Kidani
Clarence Nishihara
Pohai Ryan
Maile Shimabukuro
Malama Solomon
Jill Tokuda
Shan Tsutsui
Glen Wakai
No:
Donovan Dela Cruz
Will Espero
Mike Gabbard
Donna Mercado Kim
Sam Slom
Excused:
Ronald Kouchi
Brian Taniguchi
A signing ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 23rd to begin at 1pm located at Washington Place. The ceremony will be streamed live.
