Federal Judge Clears Way for Hawaii Civil Unions

By Katherine Poythress and Chad Blair 12/30/2011
Chad Blair/Civil Beat
UPDATED 12/30/11 5:06 p.m.

It's all systems go for civil unions in Hawaii, according to a court order issued Friday afternoon.

The order was a relief for four couples who feared the new law allowing their legal unions on New Year's Day might be put on hold before it even went into effect.

On Wednesday, the pastors of two churches filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking a temporary restraining order to block the new law. They argued that the law violates their civil rights because it does not exempt church facilities from hosting civil union ceremonies.

Federal Judge Michael Seabright, however, said their claim didn't rise to the level that would merit immediate intervention by the court.

http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2011/12/30/14406-federal-judge-clears-way-for-hawaii-civil-unions/