Yesterday, three weeks after asshat Governor Linda Lingle vetoed a same-sex civil unions measure, six gay couples in Hawaii filed a lawsuit asking for the same rights as married couples.
The lawsuit doesn't seek the titles of "marriage" or "civil unions" for gay partners, but merely requests that the court system extend them the benefits and responsibilities of marriage based on the Hawaii Constitution's prohibition against sex discrimination.
Plaintiff Suzanne King, who has been in a relationship with her partner for 29 years, said: "We continue to be discriminated against. We're a family unit, and we live our lives just like everyone else, but we aren't treated the same."
So simple, and yet Hawaii, and Linda Lingle doesn't get it. E-Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y.
Still, on the other side of equality, is Garret Hashimoto, chairman for the Hawaii Christian Coalition, who is, well, just plain outraged; "I feel insulted. They keep bringing up Martin Luther King, black rights and women's sufferage. This is not about that. This is about two males or two females practicing sex. It's behavior. It's no different from smokers or drinkers."
Homosexuality is no different than smoking and drinking? Someone needs an education.
Jennifer Pizer, senior counsel for Lambda Legal, which is bringing the case along with the American Civil Liberties Union, said: "This case is not about marriage. It's about the right of same-sex couples to at least have a system that is understandable and complete. The state's equality guarantee at least has to mean same-sex couples should have the same rights and responsibilities, even if it's segmented off into a system that isn't as respected, understood and revered as marriage."
Say it with me, Hawaii, E-Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y.
good luck, Hawaii
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