Hawaii Governor announces plans for special legislative session to pass marriage bill

This afternoon in Honololu, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie announced that next month he will convene a special legislative session to pass a bill to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples across the state. The special session will convene on October 28 of this year and is expected to last for four or five days. If approved, the freedom to marry would take effect very shortly after, beginning November 18, 2013.

The Governor told Metro Weekly today:

This is now the 20th year of discussion that has taken place on the issue and associated issues with it. I feel very, very strongly that the votes are there to pass this because it is time for marriage equity to take place.

Hawaii United for Marriage, the coalition working to pass a marriage bill this year in Hawaii, celebrated the great news and explained that it's time for every supporter of the freedom to marry in Hawaii to take action. The coalition said:

Today’s announcement is a huge step forward, but now, we have to get the bill passed. Lawmakers will vote in the coming days/weeks/months, and we need all hands on deck to ensure that they vote “YES” on marriage equality.

Marriage supporters in the state can take action with Hawaii United for Marriage by contacting their legislator HERE or donating to the campaign HERE

Freedom to Marry is proud to serve as a leading member of Hawaii United. Learn more about the freedom to marry in Hawaii, and be sure to check out Hawaii United for Marriage.