HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday to allow civil unions for same-sex couples, marking an end to what the governor called an “emotional process” for a longtime battleground in the gay-rights movement.
Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office said he intends to sign the bill into law within 10 business days. Civil unions would begin Jan. 1, 2012, making the state the seventh in the nation to grant essentially the same rights of marriage to same-sex couples without authorizing marriage itself.
“I’m overjoyed. I’m so relieved. I’m so happy,” said Kristin Bacon of Honolulu, who intends to get a civil union with her partner of 15 years. “We’re really representing aloha and the aloha spirit with this vote. I’m thrilled.”
Bacon was among a crowd of supporters wearing rainbow-colored leis and stickers saying “Equality” as they cheered, hugged and cried for joy after the Senate’s 18-5 vote. The House passed the bill last week.
Gay-rights advocates praised the vote as a victory for equal rights in a state known for its diversity and tolerance.
Opponents of the measure, many of them Christians, said civil unions erode the concept of the traditional family and could lead to same-sex marriage.
“I feel very grieved for all of us,” said Stephanie Kon of Honolulu. “Now we’ll need God even more in our islands.”
