Governor Lingle Vetos HB 444

PRAISE REPORT:  GOVERNOR LINGLE VETOS CIVIL UNION BILL AFTER LONG WAIT

We are truly grateful for Gov. Linda Lingle’s veto today of HB 444. Her decision came after a thoughtful and balanced study of the bill and its consequences and we are convinced she has come to the proper and only conclusion that will best serve the people of Hawaii.

Her veto affirms the will of Hawaii citizens. In 1998, seventy percent of Hawaii voters ratified a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man or one woman. A 2009 survey by SMS Research found that 66 percent agreed with that vote more than a decade later.

Remember to pray for those with whom we disagree.  This issue has deeply divided the community and we must continue to lift them up in our prayers.  Pray for continued blessings on the Governor.  This was not an easy decision for her to make.

We will ask the legislature next year to consider changes and additions to Hawaii’s reciprocal beneficiary statute to provide for any needs, privileges and protections the proponents of HB 444 were seeking.

We thank all of you who took the time out of your busy schedules to come down to the capitol today.  Your hard work and grassroots efforts made the victory tenable.  We thank God for you!