Lambda Legal Threatens HI Gov Over HB 444 Veto

Lambda Legal and the ACLU have warned Republican Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii not to veto HB444, the civil unions bill currently sitting on her desk which she placed on a "potential veto list" on Monday.

Lambda Legal and ACLU to Governor: Do Not Veto HB444

(Honolulu, June 21, 2010) - Today, in a notification letter to the
Legislature, Governor Linda Lingle included HB 444 in a list of bills she
may veto. This notification has prompted a renewed call from civil unions
supporters for her to allow the bill to become law.

"This notification states only that the Governor wants additional time to
make her decision on civil unions. The time has never been better for
everyone who supports fairness to contact the Governor and renew our voice
for civil unions in Hawaii," said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel for
Lambda Legal, speaking for both groups. "The governor has said she is
considering civil unions with an open mind, and we have seen her make an
effort to hear both sides. A wide array of business, religious and
community leaders have voiced their support for civil unions – explaining
how civil unions will benefit Hawaii's economy and strengthen our families
as has already happened in eight other states. We trust that she will
listen to this ever-growing chorus of support and will act on behalf of the
State in the best interest of all Hawaii by signing HB 444 into law."

Hawaii's constitution was amended in 1998 to allow the Legislature to
restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, which it has done. Same-sex
couples therefore cannot pursue full equality by seeking marriage through
the courts. Although civil unions are a lesser status than marriage, they
will provide a full range of state law protections and duties to gay and
lesbian couples, such as access to family court to dissolve the legal
status in an orderly way, clear duties to pay child support and alimony as
spouses must, and other vital protections. Bills to offer civil unions
have been under steady consideration in the Hawaii Legislature each year
since 2001.

Potential veto lists like the one issued today are part of the standard
legislative process. This list formally notifies the Legislature that
potential vetoes exist. In turn, the Legislature can consider reconvening
to exercise its right to override any veto(es). Governor Lingle has until
July 6 to accept or veto each of the bills on today's list, including HB
444.

As Rod 2.0 notes, the bill passed the State Senate by a veto-proof majority but only passed the State House (months after it was presumed dead) by a 31-20 vote.