A statement from Executive Director Kate Kendell
(San Francisco, CA, July 6, 2010)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) condemned Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle’s veto of a bill that would have allowed both same-sex and different-sex couples in Hawaii to protect their families by entering into civil unions.
A statement from NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell:
“Governor Lingle has demonstrated a shocking disregard for the well-being of Hawaii families. The civil-union bill was passed by both houses of the Hawaii Legislature and enjoyed broad popular support. By vetoing the bill, Governor Lingle has thwarted the democratic process and trampled the requirement of equal protection. We strongly support the lawsuit soon to be filed by Lambda Legal and the ACLU, seeking equality for same-sex couples and their children, and we urge everyone who cares about basic fairness to contact the Governor’s office to protest her unconscionable decision.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.