HRC Blog

Marriage Equality Legislation Introduced in Hawaii State House

January 24, 2013 by Adrian Matanza, Senior Regional Field Organizer

Marriage equality legislation was introduced this morning in the Hawaii State House.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Baehr v. Lewin, the Hawaii State Supreme Court opinion that sparked our nation's marriage equality movement. In the opinion, Justice Steven Levinson said, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of race, religion, sex or ancestry."

Although this opinion opened the door to same-sex marriage in the Aloha State and across the country, voters amended the constitution five years later, giving the legislature the ability to interpret what constitutes a legal marriage in the state.

The Human Rights Campaign is a proud co-founder of Hawaii United for Marriage, a coalition of individuals, organizations, congregations, unions, and businesses working together to secure marriage for loving, committed same-sex couples in Hawaii.

HRC has deployed Western Regional Field Director, Tony Wagner and Senior Regional Field Organizer Adrian Matanza to support the campaign’s efforts. Both returned to Hawaii after working to support efforts here to pass civil unions in 2011.

Stand with the majority of Hawaii residents who support marriage equality by signing our online petition.

Do you know of anyone in the Aloha State? Urge them to get involved with our efforts on the ground. Visit Hawaii United for Marriage and follow us on FB.