The full House has passed the amended version of Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 30 to 18, with three reps excused. 

On the heels of an almost 57-hour joint committee meeting held over five days, Wednesday’s session started at 10 a.m. and went well into the evening.

Lawmakers took plenty breaks to discuss matters behind closed doors before returning to debate numerous amendments on the floor, eventually shooting down each one. Outside chambers, the crowds chanted throughout the day.

Opponents of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage wanted reps to pass a measure that would put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide. 

Supporters maintained that there would rarely be progress in protecting a minority group’s civil rights if it was left up to the majority. 

The bill has to pass the full House again on third reading, likely Friday, before it heads over to the Senate for its consideration next week.

Check Civil Beat later for the full report.

— Nathan Eagle

Rep. Bob McDermott speaks on the House floor, Nov. 6, 2013. (Nathan Eagle/Honolulu Civil Beat)