Hawaii AG: Legislature Has ‘Constitutional Authority’ to Enact Gay Marriage

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HawaiiAttorney General David Louie today said he has issued a formal opinion that concludes the state Legislature has the authority, “if it so chooses,” to consider and enact a bill relating to marriage equity. 

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has called lawmakers into special session beginning Oct. 28 to take up a gay marriage bill. State Sen. Les Ihara requested that the AG provide a legal opinion on the matter.

Louie stated that “following a comprehensive legal analysis by the very capable deputy attorneys general in my office, I have concluded that the Legislature unquestionably has the constitutional authority to consider and enact the Proposed Bill.”

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Photo: Attorney General David Louie and Gov. Neil Abercrombie. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

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