News and Action Alert: Hawaii House Bill 444 Passes the House Judiciary Committee

On February 5th, a unanimous vote passed House Bill 444, “A Bill For An Act Relating To Civil Unions” out of the House Judiciary Commitee in Hawaii.
COLAGE Speak OUT Member, Laurie Cicotello represented COLAGE by testifying at the Committee hearing. A short excerpt of her testimony follows:
On February 1, 2009, my parents proudly celebrated their 40th anniversary – in a legal, now same-sex marriage. Back in 1969, at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Milwaukee, my folks committed in front of God, their family and friends to “Let No One Rend Asunder” their wedding vows. More than 25 years ago, my parent, Dainna, completed the transition from male to female. She and my mom, Mary, decided to stay together and remain married during this intensely personal and emotional change.
Over the years, various people from all walks of life have had no problem telling me they feel my parent’s marriage is null and void. I have been told that children are better off raised in “traditional families.” I was much better off being raised in a nontraditional family and have a great deal more compassion for all family structures.
To that end, I join my parents and countless other ‘ohana across the country in fighting for equality and justice within the law. As my parents travel the country, we are never sure which states will still recognize their marriage and their commitment to “Let No One Rend Asunder” their vows.

Take Action: The bill will next head for a full floor vote. Please contact the State Representative for your District and tell them to support HB 444. You can find your elected officials online here. If you are a youth or adult with LGBTQ parents living in Hawaii, and might like to join COLAGE members such as Laurie in speaking out on this issue, please contact COLAGE Program Director, Meredith Fenton.