President Barack Obama on Tuesday
cheered passage of a gay marriage bill in Hawaii.
The legislation now heads to the desk
of Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie, who could sign the bill into
law as early as Wednesday.
(Related: Gay
marriage bill clears Hawaii Senate; Governor to sign.)
“I want to congratulate the Hawaii
State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage
equality,” Obama said in an emailed statement. “With today's
vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our
gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and
equally under the law. Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed,
our country becomes stronger. By giving loving gay and lesbian
couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the
values we hold dear as a nation. I've always been proud to have been
born in Hawaii, and today's vote makes me even prouder. And Michelle
and I extend our best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families
will now be given the security and respect they deserve.”