Hawaii Gov. Won't Defend State's Gay Marriage Ban

[William769]

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie has refused to defend a constitutional ban against gay marriage in light of several pending lawsuits against the state’s Department of Health, which grants marriage licenses. The state Attorney General’s office said Tuesday it had filed separate responses for both the governor and Health Department director Loretta Fuddy, whose office will be defending its distribution of the licenses, according to the Hawaii Reporter.

A law allowing civil unions for gay couples was passed last year, but Hawaii has had a constitutional amendment against gay marriage since 1998.

“Under current law, a heterosexual couple can choose to enter into a marriage or a civil union,” Abercrombie told the Hawaii Reporter. “A same-sex couple, however, may only elect a civil union. My obligation as Governor is to support equality under law. This is inequality, and I will not defend it.”

Fuddy said her office is charged with implementing the law as it was passed, and as such, will defend the department’s practices.

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/02/22/Hawaii_Gov_Wont_Defend_States_Gay_Marriage_Ban/

[racaulk]

1. Governor Abercrombie is absolutely a breath of fresh air over his predecessor.

You know, the twice-married, twice-divorced bigot who was sooooo concerned about preventing gays and lesbians from getting married that she vetoed a civil union (not even marriage equality) bill passed by the state legislature. Good riddance to that asshole.

This is a good move on the current Governor's part! I'm curious to see how this plays out.

[closeupready]

2. Good for Abercrombie! K&R