After more than two hours of floor speeches, the Hawaii Senate voted today to pass the House draft of Senate Bill 1 to give gay couples the same marriage rights as straight couples.

The vote was 19-4. Republican Sen. Sam Slom and Democratic Sens. Mike Gabbard, Ron Kouchi and Senate President Donna Mercado Kim voted “no.” (Sens. Donovan Dela Cruz and Brian Taniguchi were absent.)

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Sen. Roz Baker said in her floor speech before the vote. “There really is no room for hate in the 808.”

The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. His signature — assuming it comes before Nov. 20 when Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn plans to sign his state’s version of the law — will make Hawaii the 15th state to allow gay marriage.

Supporters in the gallery erupted in cheers after the final vote was cast as opponents quietly departed. 

A celebration ensued in the Capitol Rotunda and along Beretania Street. 

Check Civil Beat later for the full story. 

Photo: Supporters of Senate Bill 1 outside of the Hawaii State Capitol.

— Nathan Eagle