Issue Position: Marriage Equality

Issue Position

Senator Schatz is a long-time, proven supporter of marriage equality.

In 2010, when a civil unions bill came before the Hawai"i Legislature, Schatz testified in support of the bill. He said, "This is [the Legislature's] opportunity to make history -- to choose the right side of an issue that transcends all of us -- that, in fifty years, will seem obvious to our children and grandchildren."

Yet, Senator Schatz has always known that civil unions do not go far enough. That's why, as a member of the United States Senate, he signed an amicus brief in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Supreme Court case urging the Court to strike down the discriminatory law. Senator Schatz said: "Denying committed couples the right to marry is unacceptable. It is my hope that the arguments heard in the Supreme Court will further prove what millions of Americans know is just -- marriage equality must be a constitutional right for all Americans."

As the Supreme Court heard arguments in the DOMA and Proposition 8 Supreme Court cases, Senator Schatz spoke out to express his support for marriage equality, declaring that marriage equality is a constitutionally protected right for all Americans.

When the Hawai"i State Legislature debated marriage equality in the fall of 2013, Senator Schatz prepared written testimony in support of same-sex marriage that was co-signed by over 7,000 supporters and delivered by Linda Schatz as she herself testified at the State Capitol in favor of marriage equality. The bill ultimately passed. Senator Schatz firmly believes that marriage is a universal right, and will support any legislation that allows couples to marry freely.

Source