Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb 2, 2010 / 02:15 am
Hawaii lawmakers on Friday decided not to vote on a bill that would create same-sex civil unions in the state. Opponents of the measure praised the action, expressing gratitude to the lawmakers but calling for continued vigilance.
While the state Senate approved a civil unions bill last week, the state House leadership indefinitely postponed the bill, numbered H.B. 444. According to the Associated Press, the House leadership was wary of pushing a controversial issue during an election year.
Opponents of the measure cheered in the House gallery, while supporters shouted “Shame on you!”
Last year 33 of 51 house members voted in favor of civil unions.