President Barack Obama praised Hawaii's state legislature Tuesday for passing a bill allowing same-sex marriage in the Aloha State.
"I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
With the state Senate's passage of the marriage equality bill, Hawaii is poised to become the 15th state to legalize gay marriage. Illinois also passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage last week, but Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie (D) has indicated that he may sign his state's legislation into law before Illinois' measure is signed.
Gay couples will be able to be wed in the islands starting December 2.
Read the president's full statement below:
I want to congratulate the Hawaii State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage equality. With today’s vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law. Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger. By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation. I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder. And Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families will now be now given the security and respect they deserve.
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