Hawaii’s congressional delegation and gay rights proponents lauded President Barack Obama Wednesday for supporting marriage equality.
"We’re absolutely delighted to have the president’s support … particularly in light of what happened in North Carolina" (where a constitutional amendment passed affirming traditional marriage) said Jo-Ann Adams, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus.
But Allen Cardines, executive director of the Hawaii Family Forum, which fought a civil unions bill in Hawaii, indicated Obama’s move might cost him the presidency.
"Same-sex marriage is just not good if it undermines the foundation of a civilization. It’ll be interesting to see what the people will decide during this upcoming election," he said.
Adams disagreed, saying that at the state level, "no legislator has lost his seat supporting same-sex marriage. … Republicans have been focused on Obamacare and the economy. To pretend that this would be the determining issue would be folly."
Carolyn Golojuch, president of PFLAG-Oahu, a gay rights group, said in a statement: "I knew in my heart that Obama believed in the constitutionality of our children’s right to marry." Her son, Honolulu Pride chairman Michael Golojuch Jr., said in a statement: "Today is a great day! A day that will go down in the history books because today the leader of the United States took a stand against bigotry and homophobia announcing his support of marriage equality … "
Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who signed into law last year Hawaii’s civil unions bill, said: "I have long believed in respecting each other’s differences and the core values of equality and fairness. The president’s statement speaks for itself. It is a statement that will have an effect beyond the headlines. It speaks for equality and against discrimination."
Hawaii’s congressional delegation also praised Obama.
"President Obama’s announcement in support of equal rights for gay and lesbian couples shows the kind of courageous leadership that puts him in the vanguard of expanding civil rights for all," Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said in a statement.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka issued a statement: "I am proud of President Obama for taking this courageous stand, and I know his upbringing in diverse Hawaii helped to shape his understanding that everyone should be treated with equality."
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said in a statement: "I look forward to working with the president to ensure his position on marriage equality becomes law in this country."
Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat, congratulated Obama "for taking a strong stand on marriage equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation. I understand his journey, and stand with him on this issue."
