An effort to legalize gay marriage in
Hawaii is likely on hold until next year after lawmakers failed to
take action on the measure.
Thursday was the deadline for the
Hawaii State Legislature to schedule hearings for all bills referred
to two committees.
The Hawaii House Judiciary Committee
decided against hearing a proposed marriage equality bill, HB1109.
The committee chairman told reporters that there is insufficient
support on the panel to advance the measure to the House, according
to the Star
Advertiser.
Hawaii United for Marriage pledged to
increase its resolve over the next year.
“In Hawaii, respect for ohana is
fundamental, and Hawaii United for Marriage is resolute in our
mission to win marriage equality in our state,” the group said in a
statement. “We commit today to expanding the conversation,
strengthening our coalition and uniting the people of Hawaii behind
the vision that all families – gay or straight – should receive
equal treatment under the law. We look forward to continuing our
mission to ensure passage of the bill.”
“We thank President Obama, Hawaii's
Congressional delegation, Governor Abercrombie, Mayor Caldwell, our
allies in the Legislature, and the thousands of supporters who took
action and spoke out for fairness.”
“Today is not the end of our work; it
is merely a continuation of the struggle that started 20 years ago
when Hawaii took its first steps on a long journey toward equal
treatment for same-sex couples, sparking a nationwide (and worldwide)
push for marriage equality.”