Hawaii Rep. Mark Takai reverses course on gay marriage
Fri. October 18, 2013 10:21 AM by OnTopMag.com
Honolulu, HI -
Hawaii State Rep. K. Mark Takai, a Democrat, has announced his support for a gay marriage bill.
Last month, Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie called a special session to consider the proposed legislation, setting up the possibility that Hawaii could become the 14th state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry by November 1.
The session, expected to last 5 days, is scheduled to begin October 28.
Hawaii currently recognizes the relationships of gay couples with civil unions, legislation Takai opposed in 2011.
"There have been few issues that I have grappled with more than same sex marriage in Hawaii," Takai said in a statement given to the Hawaii Reporter. "I have wrestled with my thoughts, my values, my faith and what I believe to be the best way forward. The world has changed – and so have I."
"There are no good reasons to continue to prevent every Hawaii resident from exercising his or her right to marry the person he or she loves."
He concluded: "It's time that laws in Hawaii reflect the Aloha spirit and I will join with the majority in the State House to pass the marriage equality bill."
Last month, Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie called a special session to consider the proposed legislation, setting up the possibility that Hawaii could become the 14th state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry by November 1.
The session, expected to last 5 days, is scheduled to begin October 28.
Hawaii currently recognizes the relationships of gay couples with civil unions, legislation Takai opposed in 2011.
"There have been few issues that I have grappled with more than same sex marriage in Hawaii," Takai said in a statement given to the Hawaii Reporter. "I have wrestled with my thoughts, my values, my faith and what I believe to be the best way forward. The world has changed – and so have I."
"There are no good reasons to continue to prevent every Hawaii resident from exercising his or her right to marry the person he or she loves."
He concluded: "It's time that laws in Hawaii reflect the Aloha spirit and I will join with the majority in the State House to pass the marriage equality bill."
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