Calls for and against a special session to consider a bill on gay marriage are increasing as lawmakers and Gov. Neil Abercrombie continue internal debate on whether to return before the regular session in January.
Faith-based groups on both sides of the issue spoke out Monday, as did the state Republican Party.
The MoveOn.org Honolulu Council plans to hold a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech, in support of marriage equality. Another event, organized by a group called Equality Hawaii, is set for Sept. 21.
House Democrats are to meet Wednesday to discuss the matter and inform the governor whether they have the votes to pass a bill. Such a measure has enough support in the Senate.
Abercrombie has been cautious about calling a special session while awaiting a clear signal from the House, which does not have the two-thirds’ majority needed by both chambers to call a special session.
The Hawaii Republican Party issued a statement urging all parties to wait until January so the public can engage in a full and open discussion.
"Forcing this heated issue through an abbreviated session will only stifle public input, which should be the most important part of the legislative process," the party said in a statement. "Gov. Abercrombie should be welcoming, not suppressing, the voice of the public on this issue.
"If Gov. Abercrombie wants his bill to be heard, he should wait until the regular session when all others will have the time and opportunity to put forth their own ideas."
Kayla Berube, state GOP executive director, added in an email, "I think it is clear that people on both sides of this issue feel strongly about it and would like to see an open and public discussion."
The opposition to a special session was joined by dozens of conservative Christian leaders who gathered at an Oahu church Monday to declare their support for religious rights, organizers told television station Hawaii News Now.
Among those wanting a special session is Hawaii United for Marriage, a statewide coalition of religious congregations, businesses, labor unions and community organizations urging elected leaders to act now. The group said the tally of diverse faith-based leaders supporting its cause has swelled to 52 from 30 last week.
"It’s heartening that so many faith leaders are calling on the Legislature to resolve this now," Rep. Chris Lee (D, Kailua-Lanikai-Waimanalo) said in statement. Lee has been among the most outspoken lawmakers in support of a special session.
Wednesday’s rally aims to urge the governor to call lawmakers back. The "MoveOn to Equality" event is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to sign a petition urging Hawaii legislators to pass a marriage equality bill.
MoveOn said it was using the anniversary of King’s speech "to remind the governor and our legislators that, 50 years later, our work is not done."
MoveOn is a nonprofit public-policy advocacy group.
Equality Hawaii, another group calling for a marriage equality measure, is planning a benefit rally Sept. 21 at Aloha Tower, which is expected to be attended by actor Matthew Morrison, who stars in the popular Fox television show "Glee." Set to start at 7 p.m., the event will feature food, entertainment and a silent auction. Admission is a suggested $100 minimum donation in advance, and $125 at the door.
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CORRECTION: An Equality Hawaii fundraising gala with “Glee” star Matthew Morrison is scheduled for Sept. 21 at Aloha Tower. An earlier version of this article said it will be held this Saturday.
