The Hawaii Senate on Tuesday is
expected to give its final approval to a gay marriage bill, the last
step for lawmakers before sending the measure to Democratic Governor
Neil Abercrombie, who has said he will sign the bill as amended in
the House.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved the
measure 20-4 with one lawmaker excused, but changes made to the bill
during a contentious House debate call for a return trip to the
Senate.
Senator Clayton Hee, chair of the
Senate's judiciary committee and the bill's champion in the Senate,
said he expects the bill will face little opposition in the chamber
and predicted a 21-4 vote.
Opponents looked to the House as their
best chance to derail the bill. But only a couple of amendments out
of dozens introduced received enough support during committee or
floor debate to clear the chamber. The changes slightly expand
religious exemptions.
If the measure becomes law, Hawaii
would become the 16th state to allow gay couples to marry,
joining recent entrants New Jersey and Illinois, where a bill awaits
Governor Pat Quinn's signature.
(Related: Mark
Kirk congratulates Illinois on passage of gay marriage bill.)