Reaction: Civil Union Veto

While I am personally disappointed at Gov. Lingle's decision to veto HB444, I don't think that a boycott of Hawaii is proper. A boycott would not only hurt the state, but create animosity towards gay rights. Gay owned businesses will also suffer. The opposition is very well organized. I think a more organized effort is needed to get supporters and our local officials to become more vocal in their support of gender-based rights (equal protection under the law). As this issue will most likely go to ballot, we must make sure that our supporters make it to the polls to voice their support. We have a lot of people that support us, but they do not vote. We must keep this issue front and center, making sure that this does not fade away. The oppostion hears about it in their churches every Sunday. We must make sure that our friends and family don't fail to go to the polls when the time comes. Talk to your friends and family about enlisting their support in the voting booths. VOTE FOR EQUALITY.

Ms. Lingle, How is it you are not aware that politicians like you were the reason that women were not allowed to own land, get a divorce, hold public office, or VOTE??? Have you heard of the Suffrage Movement? As well, it was politicians like you who engaged in the incremental and systematic dehumanization of European Jews that lead to their loss of property, civil rights, ability to work, and eventually their lives. Have you heard of the Nuremberg Laws? Politicians like you stood by while female children were sold into marriage or genitally mutilated. Have you heard of Sharia Law? You are now among a long list of political cowards who were lifted on board by other women and men greater than yourself, and then pulled the ladder up behind you. You are a voter, a politician, a divorcee, and a Jew. Absent more courageous people than yourself you wouldn't be allowed the first three, and the last would have gotten you gassed and incinerated. You are a shameless and unrepentant coward.

To Liam of Portland: Yes, she is twice divorced. But I don't expect that she will be seeking a civil union here in Hawaii for herself [and her "friend" in Las Vegas] anytime soon. Just wait a few years for the complete story to emerge on Ms. Lingle.

I live in Hawai'i, and to all who do not, PLEASE BOYCOTT these islands. Tourism is a vital engine that drives the economy here, and a boycott will be tangible and felt. As a nationwide LGBT community, we boycotted Coors Beer and Colorado in the 1990s, and got them to do an about face. Please vote with your wallets and voice your opposition to this outrageous veto by Gov. Lingle.

My reaction was complete outrage. The civil rights of LGBT people should never be left up to voters. Linda Lingle joined a long list of Republican bigots who are cruel and abusive to the LGBT community. This is what happens when a Republican is in power, they bash the LGBT community and they act like its something to be proud of. Shame on Linda Lingle (who by the way has been divorced twice). I guess if she can't make a marriage work she wants others to suffer.

@Midtown Atlanta Mark - Brilliant strategy. Everyone should call and let them know that we aren't going to Hawaii until they create a welcoming environment for all of us. Money talks, particularly in this economy.

Hawai'i is a socially conservative, cloistered, and homophobic place. It functions like an isolated small town - corrupt old-boys-network government, stagnant leadership, resistance to change, and dislike of outsiders. Non-locals are treated with disdain, unless they're there to spend money. Then they smile until you turn your back. I grew up there. I have a prep school ring that would open many doors for me. But, I won't move home unless a parent is ill. Instead, I enjoy an out life here on the Mainland. It's not perfect, but at least progress is not a dirty word. On a positive note, the President of the Interfaith Alliance Hawai'i, was chaplain at my alma mater, and I see that he has been a very outspoken supporter of civil unions through this legislative process. I always did like you, Chaplain Heidel.

@Mike, we lack equal rights in our own home states (Illinois, Ohio and California). Unless you live in Iowa, DC, or New England, you don't have equal rights. And even then we don't on a federal level. Yet we flock to NYC and SF, even though we lack equal rights there. Where is that boycott? The legislature couldn't pass marriage due to a constitutional amendment so they did the next best thing. She vetoed it, but she is now termed out. Rather than boycott the state that had the courage to pass civil unions (with a Gay politician who introduced the bill), we should help Neil Abercrombie get elected as the next governor, as the legislature will repass civil unions and he has repeatedly stated he would sign the bill (unlike his two challengers). This was the act of one stupid woman, and I don't agree with boycotting when they are more progressive than most of the rest of our nation. But we can agree to disagree...

She even admits that she 'personally' does not support same sex marriages or relationships, but then says it has nothing to do with her decision. She's a liar. It had everything to do with her decision. If she supported same sex marriages and she wouldn't have been able to veto it. This made it easy for her.

@ ed: If the only way to actually reach the Hawaii state legislature is through their tax payers who DO have special rights, then why shouldn't they be boycotted? Why should we spend our hard earned dollars in a state that does not recognize our rights? I fail to see your logic as anything but being a doormat.