Actually Hawaii is the Aloha State, but every year countless Americans journey to those romantic islands to tie the knot or soak in the postnuptial sun. How fitting, then, that gay couples can finally join their straight neighbors in that pilgrimage.

The Hawaii Senate passed a bill Tuesday that will make it the 15th state to approve gay marriage just as soon as the governor signs the measure — and he is inclined to do so.

Although it’s one of the bluest states in America, with a strong progressive heart, Hawaii also has a very religious culture dating back to the white missionaries who so long ago tried to “civilize,” “save” and steal from the natives. In fact, the islands banned same-sex marriage in 1994. What a difference 20 years makes (that’s about two weeks in island time).

President Obama said of his home state’s decision, “By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation.”

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer

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