P.R.I.D.E.

Friday February 13 2009 the Hawaii State House of Representatives passed a bill which would legalize same sex unions. House Bill 444 passed with a 33-17 vote. The next step will be for the Senate to approve or make amendments to the bill. After both chambers vote in favor of the bill, it will be sent to the governor who will either veto or sign the bill into law.
Hawaii is taking a step in the right direction while other states step back; such as California retracting the law which made same sex marriage/unions legal. Previously the state (Hawaii) allowed domestic partnerships however, if this bill passes, same sex couples will have the same legal rights as married couples.
It is my hope the Senate approves the measure and Gov. Lingle signs the bill into law. Discrimination, in any form, goes against the freedoms granted to every American. Denying same-sex couples the right to form a legal bond granting them the same rights, as heterosexual couples, is denying the inalienable rights of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Just as interracial couples fought for the right to marry, it is time to fight for and grant same sex couples the same rights as others in love.
It is only right to make this bill into law. Discrimination must be stopped. What harm is done if a man is allowed to marry another man? A woman another woman? I, for one, am glad my government is finally taking the time to resolve the issues that really matter.