REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF US SENATOR BRIAN SCHATZ – On Monday, Linda Schatz delivered personal testimony and testimony on behalf of her husband, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, to members of the Hawai‘i Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor in support of marriage equality. She also presented two petitions circulated by Schatz advocating marriage equality, which contained nearly 5,000 signatures.
“Brian and I support legislation that recognizes marriage for same-sex couples and applies provisions of law equally to all couples committing to a life partnership through marriage,” said Linda Schatz. “I am honored to be the family spokesperson today because the action you are considering is a bright moment for our State and an affirmative unfolding of history. We must remove long-standing barriers and as we offer the same rights and responsibilities to all couples wishing to make a full and complete life together.”
Linda Schatz delivered the following testimony on behalf of Senator Brian Schatz:
“Now is the time for Hawaii to grant full equality under the law to our LGBT friends, family, and neighbors. I am writing to urge you into passing same-sex marriage during this special legislative session.
“For too long, same-sex couples have been denied the same rights, benefits, and protections that everyone deserves. I urge you to pass this important legislation, so that same-sex couples can be treated equally under the law.”
Senator Brian Schatz has been a long-time supporter of marriage equality and the freedom to marry the person one loves – regardless of gender.
As a member of the United States Senate, Senator Schatz signed an amicus brief in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Supreme Court case. Shortly after signing on, he released a statement: “Denying committed couples the right to marry is unacceptable. It is my hope that the arguments heard in the Supreme Court will further prove what millions of Americans know is just—marriage equality must be a constitutional right for all Americans.”
There is no good reason to deny that we must keep evolving until an adult, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, monogamy or polyamory, race, or religion is free to marry any and all consenting adults. The limited same-gender freedom to marry is a great and historic step, but is NOT full marriage equality, because equality "just for some" is not equality. Let's stand up for EVERY ADULT'S right to marry the person(s) they love. Get on the right side of history!
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