The Issue of
Same-sex Marriage in Hawaii

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On November 3, 1998, Hawaii will vote on whether there should be a constitutional amendment limiting the institution of marriage to a bond between a man and woman. The two recognized parties engaged in the debate are the "Save Traditional Marriage" and "Protect Our Constitution" campaigns.

The recent media coverage given to the issue of same-sex marriage has often overshadowed many other important headlines. Commercials relating to same-sex marriage have caused controversy and debates among the differing views. One of the most criticized portrays a young boy reading a book called, "Daddy's Wedding." The commercial reaches to the emotions of parents towards their kids and ends by saying, "If you don't think homosexual marriage will affect you, how will it affect your children?"

The religious unity that Hawaii once experienced is no longer experienced as certain churches support one argument over the other. Reverend John Honold of Hope Chapel Kapolei commented, "I don't like this, when we appear before Hawaii divided." While some point to biblical passages to deny the rights of homosexual couples, others point to God's forgiveness and compassion for all as means of justifying same-sex unions. The line has been drawn and the gap between the two sides is continually widening.

Hawaii is home to a diverse mixture of people, from those who love the environment to those who have chosen alternative lifestyles. On November 3, 1998, Hawaii will decide if same-sex marriage is a legal institution. The outcome will affect an entire nation, and possibly alter its system of government. Is the idea of traditional marriage discriminatory? We will have our answer after election day has come and gone.

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