Hawaii Governor Stalling On Civil Unions Bill
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HONOLULU — Gov. Linda Lingle on Monday bought herself two more weeks to make a decision on contentious legislation that would allow same-gender couples to form civil unions.
At a press conference at the state Capitol, Lingle announced the bill is one of 39 measures on a list of potential vetoes she was required to unveil by Monday.
She stressed that its appearance on the list doesn't necessarily mean it will be vetoed – although she said historically, that's what happens to most bills on the list.
The governor said she has not made up her mind on the civil unions issue, which she called the most difficult of the measures still before her.
"What makes it the most difficult is the intensity of the feeling on the part of the public. I don't know of another bill that comes close to that," she said.
"I can tell you that throughout this process, I've gone back and forth" on whether to sign the bill, she said.
Lingle now has until July 6, when by law she must sign or veto the 39 measures, or allow them to become law without her signature. She said she will take until then to decide the fate of the civil unions legislation.
Supporters of the measure said Lingle did what they expected.
"Actually, I was pleased to hear that – that she is going back and forth on the issue," said Alan Spector, a board member with Equality Hawaii, one of the main groups advocating for civil unions. "It shows that she's still engaged in deep, thoughtful consideration of the bill."
A leading opponent, however, said he was concerned by Lingle's remark.
"I thought our arguments were very valid or strong," said Garret Hashimoto, Hawaii Christian Coalition chairman. "The other side gives a strong passionate argument for their point of view. ... I believe she is listening to both sides."
The bill would allow same- and opposite-gender couples to form civil unions, with almost all the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Five states already grant essentially all the rights of marriage to same-sex couples without authorizing marriage itself. Five other states and the District of Columbia permit same-sex marriage.
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HERBERT A. SAMPLE 06/21/10 11:23 PM ET Associated Press