President Obama Urges Hawaii to Pass Marriage Equality

[William769]

The president has lent his voice in support of Hawaii's Marriage Equality Act, which is being considered by the state's legislature.



President Barack Obama is advocating for marriage equality in Hawaii.

A White House spokesperson released a statement that elucidated the president’s opinions of the passing of same-sex marriage in his home state. It revealed he would “welcome a decision by the state Legislature to treat all Hawaii couples equally."

"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," Shin Inouye, a White House representative, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. "As he has said, his personal view is that it's wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry, from doing so.”

The Hawaii State Senate approved Senate Bill 1, the Marriage Equality Act, Wednesday, and the House passed the bill on its first reading. If the bill passes the House Judiciary, as it's expected to, it will go back to the House for a full floor vote, where supporters anticipate a close vote. If the bill passes, it will go to supportive Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature, and same-sex weddings could begin on the islands November 18.

http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/11/01/obama-urges-hawaii-pass-marriage-equality