So, the governor figures done deal: Special session declared for Oct. 28.
Pass a society-changing act in five days; no amendments allowed, per House Speaker Joe Souki.
Rush, rush, change 1,000 years of history and destroy First Amendment freedoms quickly, before our people know what’s hit them.
"Congress shall make no law establishing religion, nor shall it deny the free exercise (of religion) thereof."
The governor in this scheduled special session proposes to enact a bill violating this constitutional protection.
He claimed in his public announcement that this bill protects religious freedom.
Don’t be lulled by his deceptive words. This bill leaves open to attack the foundation of every believers’ living faith with limited protections. It also would lead to an open invitation to costly lawsuits.
The governor claims his bill offers a strong religious exemption clause. He argued that this exemption should be acceptable because it tracks language used in Act 1 of 2011 — the civil unions bill — and went on to say that "there’s not been a single lawsuit … or single complaint."
That statement is false.
A lawsuit was filed by Wahiawa Emmanuel and by Waipahu Lighthouse Outreach center.
Yes, the judge decided their suit was premature and needed to wait until the civil union bill actually resulted in a direct challenge to their faith. Still …
Most alarming, the judge went on to write that Act 1, the same act and language that Gov. Neil Abercrombie claims is an example of faith protection, "does not contain ‘immunity’ if a church or other religious organization refuses — on the basis that it is opposed to civil unions — to rent or otherwise allow use of its facilities for performing civil unions or hosting receptions celebrating a civil union."
What about the rest of Hawaii that practices our faith in everyday life but are not preachers? There is no protection for the everyday believer in this bill. It pretends we only practice our faith in church.
I’m neither preacher nor pastor with no building around me. I am but a husband, father, farmer, financial adviser and American politician. My faith and love for the Bible and commitment to live by its principles in daily life is endangered by this bill.
I love, and this love demands I speak truth in public, a sacred right and responsibility protected by our Constitution, but threatened by this bill.
Don’t let this rushed session damage our constitutionally protected rights.
The governor says he wants to rush it for tax reasons. Sheesh — really? Hasn’t he heard of the marriage penalty tax our families have been complaining about? I have friends living together but unmarried because they have figured out they pay less taxes as two single persons than they would if married.
Don’t be deceived.
Will this rushed session promote pono, healing among our people?
What about the great majority of Hawaii voters who after a year’s careful debate voted for the constitutional amendment only a short while ago? Are they given time to join in this debate?
Remember: "No amendments allowed."
All or nothing.
Columnist Richard Borreca noted this action may well lead to lawsuits relating to the 1998 traditional marriage constitutional amendment ("Constitutional amendment on marriage stirs questions," Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Sept. 15). Why not consider all the ramifications, including what happened in 1998?
Former Finance Chairman Rep. Marcus Oshiro said that "an issue of this magnitude deserves more than one week … measured and thoughtful contemplation," not be another rushed Superferry. Well said.
Let us make the time to be courteous and consider all Hawaii people. Let’s be thorough.
Let’s kill this rushed October bill in October and pass to January for thoughtful and measured consideration.
