Two Christian churches on Wednesday
filed a legal challenge in federal court to Hawaii's civil unions
law, claiming it's unconstitutional, Courthouse
News reported.
Governor Neil Abercrombie signed in
February the legislation that gives gay and straight couples nearly
all of the legal protections of marriage. The law is set to take
effect on January 1.
(Related: Gay
couples to enter civil unions at midnight on New Year's Eve in
Hawaii.)
The law violates the civil rights of
clergy and churches because it does not exempt them from hosting such
ceremonies, the lawsuit claims. (The law does exempt clergy from
solemnizing a civil union for any reason.)
“Neither Act 1 not it's [sic]
implementing regulations exempt religious institutions, churches and
houses of worship, clergy, officers and members from being subject to
the injunctive relief and fine provisions of H.R.S. 489,” the
complaint says. “Within the last 12 months, private individuals
have already initiated complaints with the Hawaii Civil Rights
Commission against churches and houses of worship for refusing to
rent their facilities for same-sex unions and/or marriage
ceremonies.”
The plaintiffs – Emmanuel Temple,
Lighthouse Outreach Center Assembly of God and its pastors – are
asking the court to declare the law unconstitutional.
(Related: Lesbian
couple sue for right to marry in Hawaii.)