InfoAnda - Civil unions may get quick vote at Hawaii Capitol

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Google, authors asked to submit deal changes by November 9 | Technology | | 8 October 2009
Microsoft plans to invest one billion dollars in China R&D | 13 November 2008
Microsoft says research budget may create new jobs | 4 March 2009

EA sees fewer game titles | 3 December 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Civil unions may get quick vote at Hawaii Capitol

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Civil unions may get quick vote at Hawaii Capitol By HERBERT A. SAMPLE,Associated Press Writer - Sunday, January 17 Send IM Story Print HONOLULU – When Hawaii legislators reconvene on Wednesday, all eyes will be focused not on teacher furloughs that has resulted in the nation's shortest school year or the state's $1 billion budget deficit, but legislation that would allow same-sex couples to form civil unions. The measure would grant gay couples the rights and benefits the state provides to married couples and is among a handful of similar proposals that could pop up in several other states. At the same time, a federal judge in San Francisco is considering the constitutionality of California's same-sex marriage ban. "This bill has already been voted on, so there isn't as much convincing to do anymore," said Alan Spector of Equality Hawaii, a leading supporter of the bill. "I think (legislators) get the substance of the bill and the need for the bill." Last year, the proposal easily won preliminary passage in the Legislature, but stalled in May after opponents lobbied and held a state Capitol rally attended by several thousand protesters. Opponents, noting that this is an election year, cast doubt on claims that passage is at hand. Critics, including the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu and scores of evangelical Protestant churches, hope another rally, this one planned for Sunday, will be large enough to convince wavering lawmakers to kill the measure. "It's up to the people who oppose civil unions to remind the legislators that they work for the people," said Garret Hashimoto, chairman of the Hawaii Christian Coalition. "There's no ifs, ands or buts that the majority of the people in Hawaii oppose civil unions and gay marriage." No independent polls or surveys have been conducted on the issue, so it's difficult to measure public sentiment. The last time voters directly weighed in on a related issue was in 1998 when 70 percent approved a constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to reserve marriage for opposite sex couples. Elswehere, at least one other state, New Mexico, appears poised to seriously consider a civil union measure. Bills in Illinois and Minnesota also may surface. Colorado, Wisconsin, Maryland and Maine have limited laws allowing same-gender civil unions. Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage. In Hawaii, the measure would expand the state's existing reciprocal beneficiaries law by granting to unmarried same- and opposite-gender couples all of the rights and benefits the state provides to married couples. It is similar to broad civil union or domestic partnership laws in California, the District of Columbia, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and New Jersey. The Hawaii legislation would have no impact on federal tax and other benefits that only apply to married opposite-sex couples. According to 2000 census records, more than 1,200 male couples, 1,100 female couples and 21,100 mixed couples lived together in Hawaii. Supporters voice guarded confidence that the bill, pending in the Senate since May, still enjoys majority support in both chambers. But House Speaker Calvin Say, a Democrat, suggested the bill could stall in the House if the Senate vote turns out to be slim. "If the bill limps over," he said, "you know we don't have the two-thirds, so why go through the exercise if the governor is going to veto?" Foes say the House, whose members face reelection every two years, will be a prime focus of their lobbying. The number of no votes among House members has "changed tremendously, in our favor," said former state Rep. Dennis Arakaki, head of the Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference. "They are especially sensitive because they're all up for election." Honolulu Catholic Bishop Larry Silva in a letter last week urged some 220,000 parishioners to lobby lawmakers. He called civil unions "simply a euphemism" for gay marriage and claimed it is justifiable to discriminate against gay couples who want to marry. Spector contended Silva was "trying to impose his Catholic faith ... upon all of Hawaii's residents." Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has refused to say what she would do if the measure lands on her desk, though she recently urged lawmakers to shelve it, in favor of economic and budget matters. ___ Associated Press writer Mark Niesse contributed to this report. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles First Israeli Cabinet minister to visit Abu Dhabi AP - 1 hour 42 minutes ago Clinton heads to Haiti, ex-presidents visit Obama AP - 2 hours 1 minute ago Food, water coming to earthquake-ravaged Haiti AP - 2 hours 13 minutes ago Lobbyists to state lawmakers: Please, no cuts AP - 2 hours 23 minutes ago Analysis: Voter ire evident in Mass. Senate race AP - 2 hours 23 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Johnson & Johnson accused of drug kickbacks Cancer-stricken Dennis Hopper files for divorce Obama defends banking fee Britain rules out copying US bank tax plan Hershey eyes $17.9 bln bid for Cadbury: report More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Aborigines to ask Prince William for slain warrior's head Chicago businessman charged over Mumbai attacks Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset JP Morgan reports big jump in profits to $3.27 bln Airbus A400M partners 'committed': Britain More Most Viewed » Beat the blues by going to bed early: study Huge tomb found at Egypt's Saqqara pyramid Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100 Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 17 January 2010
Israel threatens to expel Turkish ambassador
Yahoo pulled into Google fracas, Alibaba reacts
Johnson & Johnson accused of drug kickbacks
Big powers meet on Iran but expectations low
Cancer-stricken Dennis Hopper files for divorce
Pakistani Taliban leader denies death on tape |
Darfur rebels say Sudan army attacks market area
Iraq says it captures man who oversaw UN bombing
Mexican crime reporter killed in apparent drug hit |
Port-au-Prince looting worsens, turns violent |
Spanish politician threatens to sue over bin Laden photo |
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran unite against extremism
French academic's lawyer upbeat on Iran verdict
Libya postpones trial of Swiss businessman |
Lawyer hopeful Iran will acquit French academic
Scenes from hell as dead pile up at Haiti hospital |
Iraqi former pilot accused in 2003 U.N. bombing
Apathy grips hard-up Ukraine village ahead of polls |
Afghan bomb kills NATO soldier as troop toll hits 27
Darfur rebels say Sudan army attacks market area |
For $65, tourists get peek at Los Angeles gangland
Rugged North Waziristan harbors US enemies
US Navy en route to make Haiti seaport usable
Pakistani Taliban leader denies death on tape
Ohio: Teen's suicide attempt ignored by guard
Pakistani Taliban chief alive after US strike
A documentary in the works for Balloon Boy's dad
Afghan lawmakers reject Cabinet nominees
Watchdog calls Afghan energy effort disappointing
NYC crews sent to Haiti draw on 9/11 experience
Afghan lawmakers reject majority of Cabinet picks
Civil unions may get quick vote at Hawaii Capitol
US: Brutality erodes Pakistani militants' support
Portland high-rise to get 250-foot-tall trellises
Japan's kingmaker vows to stay on as scandal widens
For health care, a frantic ride in the final days
USA network shakes up schedule under new strategy
Turkish movie sparks Israeli fury
Citigroup To Donate $2.0 Million To Haiti Recovery Efforts
Obama Tightens Leash On Financial Institutions In His Weekly Address
Iraq reclaims a Jewish history it once shunned
Mini drone and iPhone take video games to real world
World pledges quake aid, Haitians still waiting |
Polls open in Ukraine's presidential elections
Obama's 1st yr marked by diplomacy, but few results
No agreement on Iran sanctions
Polish Prime Minister wins 2010 Charlemagne prize
Obama surprises Michelle with birthday dinner
Apple turns up heat in Nokia battle with ITC filing
U.N. confirms death of Haiti mission chief Annabi |
EU pushes for deeper carbon emissions cuts
British bank sector hails Obama bank levy as fair
Pro-Russia politician set to sweep Ukraine polls
Ukraine votes in election key to foreign relations |
U.S. drone attack kills 7 in Pakistan's Waziristan |
Nexus One stumbles as Google joins smartphone race
No decision on new Iran sanctions
Rescuers battle to reach Haitians still alive in rubble
Abbas signals readiness to resume talks with Israel |
Angolan police arrest priest in Cabinda |
Abbas signals readiness to resume talks with Israel
As poll looms, Myanmar still building parliament |
Six major powers mulling new Iran sanctions: EU official
Dual images dilemma for Japan's ruling party: Ozawa |
Israel threatens to expel Turkish ambassador
Hesitant Wall Street looks for more recovery evidence
First Israeli Cabinet minister to visit Abu Dhabi
El Salvador's Funes apologizes for civil war abuses |
US-TECH Summary
Apple turns up heat in Nokia battle with ITC filing
Google denies leaving China, seeks negotiations |
Man of Haitian descent arrested in breach at JFK
1 dead, 5 pupils missing in Malaysia boat accident
Gunmen kill anti-Taliban tribal elder in Pakistan
A year later, hope dissolves into disappointment
Girl killed, 4,000 homeless in Manila slum fire
Yahoo pulled into Google fracas, Alibaba reacts |
Gunmen shoot Philippine passenger bus, wound 11
S.Korea's aims to boost medical tourism market
Japan threatens action on China gas project
Subsidies prop up cotton country through downturn
Dual images dilemma for Japan's ruling party
A by-the-numbers look at Obama's first year
12 wounded in Philippines bus ambush: military
Bodies of 8 China peacekeepers recovered in Haiti
Police report another sex assault in Calif. city
Ratings soaring for O'Brien
Utah Senate leader resigns 1 day after his arrest
Sri Lanka's Tamils wary of election spotlight
slammed by China partner for Google support
Teetering JAL pins hopes on management guru
China seeks to avoid Japan-style bust: experts
China markets set for new phase in 2010
Asia's IT parts makers struggle with demand boom
Google attacks spotlight global cyber espionage
`SNL' lampoons late-night mess with sketch
Ratings rise for O'Brien as nasty NBC exit nears
'Slumdog' director making film about hiker's story
Medvedev photo outdoes Putin's painting
Iraq's "Chemical Ali" gets 4th death sentence
'Beware Internet use', Malaysia warns
Ex-Tehran prosecutor rejects post-vote abuse report
Iraq's Chemical Ali gets 4th death sentence |
Afghan parliament to recess without confirming cabinet |
Iraq's 'Chemical Ali' sentenced to death
Israel's Barak in bid to mend fences with Turkey
Israeli minister visits Abu Dhabi for first time
US soldier dies in Afghanistan: NATO
Venezuela arrests alleged drug lord wanted by U.S |
Chile magnate may oust left, fights Pinochet ghost |
Man dies after setting off bomb in Iran city: report |
Pope says synagogue visit milestone despite problems |
Gunmen kill Afghan district chief, 5 other people
Obama to give church talk, stump in Massachusetts
Pakistani officials: Suspected US drone kills 12
The nation's weather
US drone strike 'kills 20 militants in NW Pakistan'
AP NewsAlert
Apple turns up heat in Nokia battle |
2 dead, 4 pupils missing in Malaysia boat accident
Veteran Indian communist leader Jyoti Basu dies
NKorea's Kim calls for stronger army amid tension
Haiti sympathy at Kobe memorial for 1995 quake
Indonesian Muslims protest Egypt's Gaza wall
Malaysia church attacks 'minor aberration': PM
Golden Globes host Gervais ready to play favorites
'Super nannies' for troubled Australian families
Hollywood gets ready for Golden Globes
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01