Hawaii GOP Gov. Lingle: Civil Unions Bill Same as Same-Sex Marriage

Hawaii's Republican Gov. Linda Lingle continues to claim she is undecided on the Legislature's civil unions bill, but described HB444 as the equivalent of same-sex marriage to the Honolulu Advertiser.

"''It does appear to me on reading it, that it really is same-sex marriage, but by a different name,' Lingle told reporters during a break at the state GOP convention at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikīkī. 'But I want to wait and hear people out.' Lingle has said in the past that she would consider some form of domestic partnership legislation but she has opposed same-sex marriage.The governor made it clear yesterday that she believes domestic partnerships are different from the civil unions described in the bill.

The bill would give same-sex and heterosexual couples who enter into civil unions the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as in marriage under state law. Couples in civil unions, however, would not be recognized under federal law. Gay rights activists believe this distinction, as well as the fact that civil unions would not have the same social and cultural significance as marriage, separates civil unions from marriage."

Oh, there's about 1100 federal benefits available to "marriage" and not "civil unions". Plus that little thing called DOMA. But who's counting?

Lingle has until July 6 to veto, sign or let the bill become law without her signature. The Hawaii House passed HB444 by a 31-20 vote on April 29. The bill passed the Senate 18-7 in January. The Senate vote was enough to override a veto, but the House vote was not. The House would need 34 votes to override.

Meanwhile: Delegates at this weekend's Hawaii Republican Convention passed a resolution calling on Lingle to veto HB444, reports the Star Bulletin.

Stridently anti-gay Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who is running to succeed Lingle, has slammed the Senate vote and promised a November voter referendum on civil unions.

Comments

[Gridlock]

If it's the same then what's the big deal? Let it pass.

[Jim]

It certainly won’t surprise anyone here if Gov. Lingle vetoes the civil unions bill.

She was able to become governor here because she portrayed herself as a moderate (and because she had a weak opponent), but in the last two years, with no possibility of running again, she has moved to the right of the people here, probably to impress the national party in hopes of getting an appointment in someone’s administration.

The only reason I can see for Lingle vetoing this bill is fear. She is probably gay, and she might fear that someone would blow her cover if she vetoes this. (I sure hope someone has the goods on her and is willing to use them.) That would certainly kill her future in the Republican Party.

[GBM and GOP]

"Hawaii's Republican Gov. Linda Lingle..."

"Stridently anti-gay Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona..."

And then a photo of the governor at and RNC meeting...

REALLY? Ok we get it, you don't like Republicans, how original!

[Jim]

“REALLY? Ok we get it, you don't like Republicans, how original!”

Yes, GBM and GOP. How intelligent of you to notice. The only reason Rod is mentioning these people is because they are Republicans.

Not because they are homophobes who would deny all gay people basic human rights. No, not that. Not because they would teach gay people to hate themselves. No, not that. Not because their homophobia inspires and abets anti-gay violence. No, not that either.

Nor is there any correlation between Republicanism and homophobia. (Gee, I wonder what mental condition correlates to being GOP while GBM...)

Rod is nothing more than a paid agent of the DNC. Now that you have found him out, he might as well just shut the blog down.

[FQ]

>>>REALLY? Ok we get it, you don't like Republicans, how original!

No sweety, the Republicans don't like us. And if you're black and gay they HATE you child ...