Democracy in action (part 1)

Especial session on legalization of the same-sex marriage in Hawaii started 28^th of October 10 a.m. Firstly bill went to Senate and already without any objection and amendments passed 3 readings with 4 NO/ 20 YES voices.

Pro same-sex marriage activity

There were organized public hearing, but there were no empty spaces in auditorium and was formed a huge queue of those who wish testify in person for or against of same-sex marriage bill. Those processes were going all the day and even not all presented people could explain their position, so next hearing is scheduled on Thursday, tomorrow when the Bill will be passed to the House representatives. Situation in the House is not as smooth as in the Senate:  it needs 26 votes to pass in the House. Hawaii News Now surveyed lawmakers last week.  27 Representatives tell them they plan to vote “YES”, 17 Representatives plan to vote “NO”, 7 Representatives are undecided.

 

Queue from active citizenz that wish to tesrify

General public can observe House and Senate meetings without any problems, so I've been present on all of them and others discussions of the House was really tense as for the Hawaiian Capitol (in Ukraine it is just a norm).

 

Public observing senate meeting

Tomorrow is house committee meeting and second reading. Can't wait to see how it will go!!!

Against same-sex marriage demonstration 

So we are here in the very special moment to observe what is American democracy,  how it is work and who benefit from this. 

Rep Gene Ward givinf a speach against the bill