Civil Unions again?
And you thought the State legislature had enough. Here it is again and it will continue to be in the sights of the liberal legislatures until the HB 444 is passed. This is why we need the right leaders in office. Remember“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke
Stay alert. From the pages of the Star Bulletin
There is a sense of desperation at the Legislature to pass HB 444 in the upcoming session. There is also a sense that if they don’t slam-bang it through right at the start of the session, the civil unions legislation is dead… at least for this session. Political reporter for the Star Bulletin, Richard Borreca has keen insights on what’s going on behind the scenes at the Legislature. Take a look at what he says is coming up…
ON POLITICS
‘Third rail’ of isle politics looms just over horizon
By Richard Borreca < http://www.starbulletin.com/editorials/mailto:rborreca@starbulletin.com <http://www.starbulletin.com/editorials/mailto:rborreca@starbulletin.com> >
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 16, 2009
Sitting just over the horizon but looming closer is the biggest smash-mouth political fight that nobody wants. The issue is same-sex marriage and by Jan. 20, 2010, it will be back before the Legislature.
When last addressed in May, the swirling, hot-button issue of legalizing civil unions or same-sex marriage or expanding reciprocal benefits was left on the floor of the Senate, which had amended House Bill 444. The bill never made it out of the Senate; it needs another Senate vote, then would head back to the House for another vote.
Or the Legislature could toss the entire matter into conference, leaving it until the end of the 2010 session.
Sen. Bob Bunda, an opponent of the bill, is counseling that the Legislature just “wait for another day.” He notes that conservative legal advocate Ted Olson is challenging the California ban on same-sex marriage and intends to take it to the Supreme Court.
“We should wait until the courts handle the argument,” Bunda says.
The details of the Hawaii issue are, in typical Hawaii fashion, excruciatingly complex and far from the actual issue at hand.
The bill has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2010, which means if it passes unamended, it will have taken effect before passed into law. Depending on how much you believe in time travel, this is either a fatal flaw or not, but it does give reason to amend the bill and increases the likelihood it will wind up in a conference committee.
Supporters such as Rep. Blake Oshiro (D, Aiea-Halawa) fear that every day the bill waits for definitive action is a day that makes the issue more controversial and less likely for passage in an election year.
In the Senate, Brian Taniguchi (D, Manoa) the veteran legislator and Judiciary Committee chairman, says he thinks the bill can be handled early on, but that there is no clear consensus among Senate Democratic leaders.
In May, former legislator Dennis Arakaki, an opponent of same-sex marriage, warned this is one of Hawaii’s most divisive issues. To make matters even more interesting, possible candidate for governor Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who is quietly building support within conservative Christian groups, is expected to be on the other side of the issue from U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, who says same-sex marriage is a civil rights issue.
Although Hawaii politicians don’t have any experience with a transit system, come January they will find out what happens when you touch the “third rail” of local politics.
I am disappointed in all men and women who find themselves attracted to those of their own gender because it is unnatural, by design. Since there are those committed to stay in that lifestyle for life, I was willing to overlook a civil union to keep their finances in order. However, marriage is a sanctified union created for a man and a woman, not between two men or two women. Their divine union creates children. Men can love men and women can love women, but the physical intimacy is not one that I can accept as sacred to be celebrated at the altar. I am sad because all that I perceived to be right and good has been shattered. Since I know some good gay citizens, I am confused and resigned to live in a dangerous world where aids is just a by the way a disease that needs a cure. Gay couples can adopt children and I can’t understand its healthy environment. Discernment leaves me in shock. Government will surely turn on the green light. America has been swallowed by the liberals.
Good thing God is in control and not us. Lives can be changed, mine has.