Hawaii now seventh state to legalize civil unions - "E Komo Mai: It means all are welcome,"

[jefferson_dem]

Source: Star Advertiser

By B.J. Reyes
POSTED: 02:10 p.m. HST, Feb 23, 2011

Less than a year after seeing the push for civil unions vetoed, gay rights advocates cheered as Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill legalizing civil unions and making Hawaii the seventh state to grant such privileges to same-sex couples.

Abercrombie signed the legislation at a ceremony today at historic Washington Place.

"E Komo Mai: It means all are welcome," Abercrombie said in remarks before signing the bill into law. "This signing today of this measure says to all of the world that they are welcome. That everyone is a brother or sister here in paradise."

"The legialization of civil unions in Hawaii represents in my mind equal rights for all people," he said.

The ceremony was broadcast live on television and the Internet as Abercrombie, a Democrat who campaigned on a promise to sign the bill if it reached his desk, reversed the decision made by his Republican predecessor.

Not everyone was thrilled with the new law.

Read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/116776119.html

[virgogal]

1. Mahalo Hawaii .

[TygrBright]

2. Way to go, Hawai'i! More civilized than the mainland, as usual. n/t