Post by Paddy by Grace on Feb 9, 2009 18:01:26 GMT -7
www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=410214
Hawaii on deck to legalize same-sex unionsCharlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 2/6/2009 5:00:00 AM
Hawaii could be the next state to legalize civil unions for homosexuals.
A majority in the state House recently signed the bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Blake Oshiro, giving it a good chance for passage this year. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, a presiding or retired judge as well as a clergy member could perform the civil unions for the same-sex couples. If the ordinance is passed, Hawaii would also recognize legal same-sex "marriages," domestic partnerships, or civil unions from other states.
OneNewsNow discussed the topic with Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel. "Civil unions are just same-sex marriage by a different name," he contends. "They have all the same rights, benefits, and privileges associated with marriage. The only difference is the word 'marriage.'"
Civil unions would provide similar protections and benefits as marriage, including hospital visitation privileges and inheritance and property rights. However, Barber contends the bill seems to be contrary to the will of voters, at least in the past.
"The people of Hawaii voted in 1998 by 70 percent to pass a constitutional amendment protecting the traditional definition of marriage. In this case the legislature is going against the will of the people," he points out. "They're pushing civil unions which, again, are marriage by another name."
New Jersey, Vermont, and New Hampshire permit civil unions, while Massachusetts and Connecticut have had homosexual marriage legalized by the courts.
Hawaii on deck to legalize same-sex unionsCharlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 2/6/2009 5:00:00 AM
Hawaii could be the next state to legalize civil unions for homosexuals.
A majority in the state House recently signed the bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Blake Oshiro, giving it a good chance for passage this year. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, a presiding or retired judge as well as a clergy member could perform the civil unions for the same-sex couples. If the ordinance is passed, Hawaii would also recognize legal same-sex "marriages," domestic partnerships, or civil unions from other states.
OneNewsNow discussed the topic with Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel. "Civil unions are just same-sex marriage by a different name," he contends. "They have all the same rights, benefits, and privileges associated with marriage. The only difference is the word 'marriage.'"
Civil unions would provide similar protections and benefits as marriage, including hospital visitation privileges and inheritance and property rights. However, Barber contends the bill seems to be contrary to the will of voters, at least in the past.
"The people of Hawaii voted in 1998 by 70 percent to pass a constitutional amendment protecting the traditional definition of marriage. In this case the legislature is going against the will of the people," he points out. "They're pushing civil unions which, again, are marriage by another name."
New Jersey, Vermont, and New Hampshire permit civil unions, while Massachusetts and Connecticut have had homosexual marriage legalized by the courts.
