A bill that would have granted state recognition to civil unions of same-sex partners in Hawaii has died in committee.
The Hawaii House passed a similar version of the bill last year. Legislators had second thoughts this time around, according to the Executive Director of the Hawaii Family Forum Dennis Arakaki.
"They did have a majority vote," he said, "but the leadership felt that it was not the right time to do this. This being an election year, I'm sure they had that thought in mind."
Arakaki said Christians had a lot to do with the decision to table the bill.
"The churches rose up," he said. "They responded and were making phone calls, sending e-mails and also visiting their representatives, which was highly effective."
-- Steve Jordahl
