HAWAII: Gov. Abercrombie Sets Date For Special Legislative Marriage Session

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced that he has called for a special legislative marriage equality session on October 28th.

The push for such legislation by way of a special session increased in the aftermath a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in June that enabled legally married gay couples to receive federal benefits. Currently, same-sex couples in Hawaii can enter into civil unions and receive the same rights and benefits as marriage under state law but are not entitled to federal benefits. State House Democrats have met over the past two weeks to count votes and determine if support existed to pass a measure. Senate Democrats are scheduled to meet later this week, although leaders have said they have enough votes to pass a bill recognizing same-sex marriage in Hawaii.

It's looking good! (Tipped by JMG reader Eduardo)

UPDATE: Metro Weekly has more.

Abercrombie said the special session would likely last four to five days and expressed optimism that the bill, which includes a religious exemption touted by Abercrombie, would pass both houses of the Legislature. Hawaii Attorney General David Louie said, if approved, the bill as proposed would allow for same-sex nuptials to begin as soon as Nov. 18. According to Abercrombie, the October date was chosen before the start of the new session next year due to the "serious, deep and wide ranging consequences, particularly for tax law, that have to be in effect by Dec. 31 if they're to be taken full advantage of."