April 18, 2010

HB 444, the "Civil Unions" Bill, would extend the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union. In the eyes of state law, both same-sex and opposite-sex civil unions would equal marriage. It would also recognize civil partnerships from other states.

This bill is a "legislative stepping stone" to same sex marriage; and, in fact, is same sex marriage in disguise. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that our Marriage Law does not violate the equal protection clause, and that Hawaii's law limiting marriage to "a man and a woman" is constitutionally valid. Same-sex couples already have hospital visitation rights, medical proxies, and inheritance protection provided for under our current domestic partnership bill.

The Catholic Diocese is asking us to do the following this week:

1) Call, e-mail or even visit House members to thank them for standing firm.

2) Call House Speaker Say at 808-586-6100; or e-mail at repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov

3) Call Vice Speaker Magaoay at 808-586-6380; or e-mail at repmagaoay@Capitol.hawaii.gov.

" Thank them for standing firm against HB 444

" Let them know that you are praying for them

" Let them know that you appreciate all the dedication and the stress they are going through.

If we fail to let our feelings known, we will get the legislation we deserve.

Gotta go boot up my hard drive. Aloha---- Mary B