And away it goes to the Governor for signature.

The Senate overwhelmingly approved the amended version of SB 1, the “Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013” by a vote of 19 to 4.

“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 1 marks a pivotal moment in our State’s history, a moment enshrined in equality and justice,” said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria, who introduced the bill. “Working together with our colleagues in the State House we have come to a compromise which provides a balance between religious freedom and equal rights.”

SB 1, House Draft 1 expands the bill’s original religious exemptions to protect clergy from refusing to perform wedding ceremonies and religious institutions from being compelled to allow wedding celebrations or provide wedding goods or services to a same-sex couple.

The first weddings are expected to be held on December 2, the date the law goes into effect.

Good for us!