Bill > SB1369

This bill, titled "Marriage; Marriage Equality," amends Hawaii law to recognize and permit marriages between individuals of the same sex, ensuring that same-sex couples receive the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples. It explicitly states that marriage is permitted for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples if they meet other eligibility requirements, and it mandates that gender-specific terms like "husband" and "wife" be interpreted in a gender-neutral manner across all legal sources. The bill also addresses the continuity of rights for individuals transitioning from civil unions or reciprocal beneficiary relationships into marriage, and it includes provisions that exempt religious organizations and individuals from being required to solemnize marriages that violate their religious beliefs, while still requiring religious facilities to comply with public accommodation laws if they operate as a for-profit business. Importantly, marriage licenses can be issued starting December 2, 2013, but solemnizations are prohibited until January 1, 2014, with the entire act taking effect on January 1, 2014.