Hawaii is now the 15th state to legalize marriage equality

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has said he will sign the measure that will take effect in December

Published November 13, 2013 1:29PM (EST)

     (<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-668929p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">ChameleonsEye</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>)
(ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com)

The Hawaii state Senate on Tuesday voted to legalize marriage equality, making Hawaii the 15th state to extend equal marriage rights to gay couples.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, a vocal supporter of marriage equality who called lawmakers to a special session specifically to vote on the measure, has said he will sign the bill, which will take effect on Dec. 2.

"This is nothing more than the expansion of aloha in Hawaii," said Sen. J. Kalani English, a Democrat who voted in favor of the measure.

Senators passed the bill 19-4 with two lawmakers excused, according to the Associated Press.

 

 


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Gay Marriage Hawaii Lgbt Rights Marriage Equality