Hawaii Senators, Representatives push state for marriage equality

HONOLULU (AP) — The state's four-member congressional delegation issued statements Friday urging Hawaii lawmakers to pass immediately a state measure formarriage equality.

The Honolulu Advertiser reports (http://bit.ly/18Cyc7R) U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono saying that same-sex couples "should not have to wait" for the civil right.

The push comes after June's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed legally marriedgay couples the right to federal tax and health care benefits.

Blake Oshiro, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, said he is open to calling for a special session. Otherwise the vote would be in January.

Recent polls by Hawaii United for Marriage, the coalition of religious, business and labor groups, show support across the state.

Hawaii allows civil unions, but those do not qualify a couple for federal benefits.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

August 18, 2013