Hawaii lawmakers pass civil unions bill
Legislators in Hawaii have passed a civil unions bill that would give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The state House of Representatives passed the bill by a 31-20 vote late Thursday. Gov. Linda Lingle has until early July to decide whether to sign the bill into law, CNN’s Hawaii affiliates reported.
Civil unions advocate Alan Spector told KHON-TV, “I did not know all day this was going to happen. This was a surprise. I’m very happy.”
Five U.S. states and the District of Columbia issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Hawaii would join New Jersey in allowing civil unions.
