US: Hawaiian faith leaders sign resolution calling on passage of equal marriage law
More than a dozen faith leaders in Hawaii have signed a resolution calling on lawmakers to pass a law to legally recognise same-sex marriages.
Among others were Jewish, Methodist and Unitarian leaders, who read and signed the declaration, the size of a poster at the brunch at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, reports the Associated Press.
The resolution calls on lawmakers in the state to extend civil marriage benefits to couples of the same sex.
Reverend Dr Jonipher Kupono Kwong, of the church said: “It’s all about standing on the right side of history… We will keep doing it until we’re all prayed out.”
Reports suggest that House Democrats in Hawaii are meeting this week in order to gauge whether or not there is enough support to pass a measure to allow equal marriage.
Polls suggest that Hawaiians are in favour of legalising equal marriage. The state allows civil unions, but those do not automatically qualify couples for federal benefits.
The four-strong delegation released the statements on Friday, including Senator Mazie Hirono, who said that same-sex couples “should not have to wait” to be able to marry.
