A Hawaiian argument for marriage equality

Timothy Kincaid

January 21st, 2010

hawaii coupleI can’t guess the number of articles I’ve read in papers about which I though, “They almost got it… but not quite.” Today I read a very simply piece in the Maui News that was as compelling, as direct and succinct as I can recall reading.

It’s a short piece, less than 750 words, about Kevin Rebelo and Frank Miholer, a local couple who make a living planning, arranging, and conducting marriages for heterosexual couples. And yet it hits on all the issues: long-term relationships, discrimination, denied recognition, taxation, immigration, implied deviance, insurance, inheritance, medical care, tradition, family, faith, and the hope that comes from recognizing this as a civil rights struggle.

“I feel frustrated about the lack of understanding by some people of the discrimination that we face,” he said.

But Miholer said he’s confident marriages and/or civil unions eventually will be allowed in Hawaii for gay and lesbian couples.

“Every group that has struggled for equal rights has obtained it,” he said.

Today the Hawaii State Senate will decide whether to allow Rebelo and Miholer to enter a civil union.

Kelly

January 21st, 2010

“Today the Hawaii State Senate will decide whether to allow Rebelo and Miholer to enter a civil union.”

That word “allow” just gives me the chills. And not in a good way. It also really sends the message home. Who are we as a people to ALLOW anyone else the right to marry the person of their choosing?

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