The Hawaii State Senate adopted by a large majority of civil unions law that had received the vote of the House a year ago.

If the law, named HB 444 SD1 is also approved by a special committee will be left to Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican, qquien could veto the proposal, but the Democratic majority could derail legislative Lingle's veto, if it satisfies two-thirds vote in both chambers.

The story of the struggle for legal equality for gays and lesbians in Hawaii has been long and complicated. In 1993 the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that banning marriage for gays and lesbians was discriminatory. However, the decision of the Court

Since then, several civil union projects have been submitted, without success. Finally, in 2009 the House of Representatives (controlled by Democrats by a majority of 45 to 6) passed the law HB 444 SD1 by 33 votes to 17. And almost one year after the Senate also gave their backing.