The very dark cloud of discrimination hangs over the islands of Hawaii today after the republican governor, Linda Lingle chose the very last day possible to veto a bill that would have allowed sex sex civil unions.
"There has not been a bill I have contemplated more or an issue I have thought more deeply about during my eight years as governor than House Bill 444 and the institution of marriage," Linda Lingle said at a news conference yesterday. "I have been open and consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, and find that House Bill 444 is essentially marriage by another name."
Her veto denies thousands of gay and lesbian couples the same rights and benefits that the state provides to married couples. had she not vetoed the bill, it would have put Hawaii on the map in terms of equality, openness and acceptance, however all that has been quashed by her decision. It's also lightly to be the last word on the subject as previously House leaders have said they will not override any of Lingle's vetoes.
"The subject of this legislation has touched the hearts and minds of our citizens as no other social issue of our day," Lingle said at the press conference "It would be a mistake to allow a decision of this magnitude to be made by one individual or a small group of elected officials." Yet, that's what it's come down to, with Lingle acting as the judge and jury on the issue that goes beyond simply allowing same sex couples to show the depth of their love.
"We had hoped the governor would do the right thing for civil rights and equality," one of the people that packed out the press conference on Tuesday, "Sadly she hasn't"
Her veto on the bill has already having impact with gay European tour operators dropping the islands from 2011 plans, however Lingle is happy with reinforcing the discrimination of gays "I am comfortable with my decision while knowing full well that many will be disappointed by it." she said yesterday.
Perhaps her comfort is less to do with her decision and more to do with knowing that many anti gay opponents will be supporting her reelection this November!
Jason Shaw
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