Marriage equality will soon be the law of the land in Hawaii.
In a resounding 19-4 vote Tuesday, the Hawaii Senate approved the marriage equality bill, amended to expand exemptions for religious institutions opposed to marriage for same-sex couples. Two senators were excused.
“The arc of justice does not bend on its own,” said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (D-12th) during the final debate in his chamber. “It bends because we bend it ourselves, we put our hands on it and bend it towards justice.”
The bill will be signed into law in a day or two - meaning Hawaii will beat Illinois to become the 15th state to recognise marriage equality.