HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii has become the latest battleground in the fight for same-sex civil unions.

A measure legalizing such unions passed in the State House this month, and it now goes before the Senate, where a divided committee is scheduled to vote on Tuesday.

Both chambers of the Legislature are controlled by Democrats. Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, has declined to comment on the bill, and it is unclear whether she would veto it.

Gay rights organizations argue that civil unions would promote basic equality in the nation’s most ethnically diverse state, but opponents fear the erosion of an island culture that values conventional family ties.

Religious groups have been buying newspaper advertisements, setting up Web sites and holding rallies urging lawmakers to vote against the measure.

One anti-gay Web site warns of a bad influence on Hawaii “keiki,” the Hawaiian word for children.

Only Massachusetts and Connecticut allow same-sex marriage. Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Vermont allow same-sex civil unions.

Californians voted in November to overturn a court ruling that allowed same-sex marriage, but the state still offers domestic partnerships that guarantee the same rights as marriage.

Refer from www.nytimes.com

 
 
Show your love

Don´t only tell your partner that you love them, but show it every day. Love is shown through little gestures such as holding hands, kissing on the porch, complimenting your spouse in public. Such acts show your love.

Marital StrengthsWhat are the strengths in your marriage? For a fun activity, consider listing them and discussing them with your spouse.


Raise Or Lower Your Partners Self-EsteemIn any couple, almost everything one person says or does either raises or lowers the self-esteem of the other. Any attack or perceived rejection or indifference on the part of one person in a couple will lower the other person´s self-esteem.

Day to Day LivingIn the day to day living in marriage, we are often least polite to the ones who need and deserve it most. Thank each other for the things you do, praise each other and never forget to say I´m sorry. These may sound like trivial things, but lack of them has broken many a marriage.