Date: Fri, 4 Feb 94 17:20:06 HST
From: ramsey@math.hawaii.edu
Subject: HAWAII'S LOWER HOUSE VOTES

     Posted at 5:10 PM, HST, February 2, 1994:

     The lower House in Hawaii voted today for HB2312,
34 to 17.  HB2312 would limit marriage to a man and a woman.
I hesitate to embroil the network in the politics of the
bill, but it is a law and NOT A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
and all of the legislators are very well aware
of the difference.  The bill puts the lower House on
record as opposing same gender marriage, it offers the
state some ammunition for opposing same gender marriage in court,
and it is generally viewed as having only a slight effect on the
progress of the court case.  Yet, it makes right-wing noises.


    Standing up to public pressure from Christian fundamentalists
and the machinations of the Democratic leadership were 16
Democrats and one Republican.  The best way to thank them is
to offer them support in the next election.  Non-tax-deductible
political contributions may be sent to the Alliance For Equal
Rights, 2139 Chamberlain St., Honolulu, HI 96822.  To support
the court case and public education campaigns, tax-deductible
contributions may be sent to GLCC/Marriage Project, 1820
University Ave., Room 8, Honolulu, HI 96822.

    The battle now moves the Senate.  Again, the Senate leadership
is against us.  We are focusing on the Senate Judiciary Committee
in an effort to stop the bill in committee.