Same-sex civil unions bill stalls after marathon hearing

[t0dd]

HONOLULU (AP) - After 18 hours of public testimony, the Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 3-3 on a same-sex civil unions bill, stalling the bill in committee but not ending the issue for Hawaii.

The measure already passed by the House is still expected to go before the full Senate, where support is strong.

After going through a list of more than 1,400 people who signed up to testify on both sides of the contentious issue, including more than 100 added after midnight, the committee voted at 3 a.m. today.

Impassioned and sharply divided testimony either declared the measure an attack on traditional marriage or a critical gateway to equal rights.

No member of the committee was swayed by the talkathon.

Source: http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/515304.html

[KamaAina]

1. I was at the Capitol yesterday morning for another bill

and happened to get caught up in the crush downstairs, outside the Auditorium, because that's where the snack shop is.

I had to cut through a humongous Line O' Bigots in order to get my granola bar and chips. (A smaller number of people with gold "Equality" stickers was more toward the front of the line.) What was really scary was that many of the bigots had little kids with them. What do little kids know about partnership, let alone homosexuality -- except for what their mommy and daddy told them? The only kids who belonged there are the ones (like Heather) who have two mommies (or daddies). They're the only kids who are affected by this bill. Shame on you, Mom and Dad Bigot! :grr:

However did this happen in a state once renowned for its tolerant and progressive attitude? Well, for one thing, there has been a huge explosion in megachurches over the past decade or so...

[mitchtv]

2. I hope they consider well the impact on tourism

They can't afford to get a reputation for h-phobia in these times. I imagine it's a love hate relationship

[KamaAina]

3. Well, our largest tourism market is California

h-phobia seems to be inescapable these days...

[bluedawg12]

4. There is no end to self righteous dehumanizing of gays by some

so it's not the word marriage after all? :sarcasm: