Family Attorney
Same-sex marriage debate is back
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The same-sex marriage debate resumes today with the Senate Judiciary Committee set to hold a public hearing and decide which direction to head in the divisive issue. Eight measures are before the committee, with proposals ranging from a constitutional amendment barring gay and lesbian couples from marrying, to one that would create domestic partnerships and grant them some of the same benefits as heterosexual married couples. Proponents of same-gender marriage say they oppose any of the suggested amendments, and favor the domestic partnership bill, though noting it would exclude federal benefits and not be recognized if a Hawaii couple move to another state. “Whether you call it domestic partnership, reciprocal beneficiaries or pizza for two, it’s still second-class citizenship,” said Tracey Bennett, a lobbyist for the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, in testimony submitted to the committee for its hearing in the state Capitol auditorium. On the other hand, the Hawaii Catholic Conference supports proposed amendments limiting marriage to a man and a woman, and is against domestic partnerships and other bills that would grant benefits to same-sex couples and “establish a category which is parallel to marital status in all but name.” Source : starbulletin.com |
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