Hawaii to become latest US state to make same-sex marriage legal
The Hawaii Senate has given its final approval to a bill to make marriage legal between couples of the same-sex.
The measured cleared the state’s senate 19 votes to 4. One Republican senator and three Democrats voted against equality.
The state’s Governor, Neil Abercrombie has said that he will swiftly sign the bill into law, making Hawaii the 15th US state to make marriage between gay and lesbian couples legal, assuming that he approves the bill before the governor of Illinois.
After the House of Representatives voted for same-sex marriage, Mr Abercrombie said: “I commend the House of Representatives for taking this historic vote to move justice and equality forward.
“I look forward to a successful conclusion to this major step in affirming everyone’s civil rights.”
Earlier this month, a White House spokesperson said: “While the President does not weigh in on every measure being considered by state legislatures, he believes in treating everyone fairly and equally, with dignity and respect.
“His personal view is that it’s wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry, from doing so.”
