HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Nov. 5, Hawaiʻi voters approved a significant constitutional amendment that ensures the state legislature cannot define marriage as solely between one woman and one man.
This vote was a powerful affirmation of the rights of same-sex couples and all individuals who seek equal recognition of their marriages.
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For Commissioner Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D., Chair of the Hawaiʻi State Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, the passage of this amendment is a moment of pride and cautious optimism.
“This is a powerful affirmation of equality, acceptance, and safety for all individuals,” Commissioner O’Dell said. “It’s not just about the LGBTQ+ community, but about who people love and how they identify. We stand for inclusion, we celebrate diversity, and we make it clear that hate has no place here.”
While the outcome was a win for equality, Commissioner O’Dell acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign.