Hawaii House Approves Same-sex Civil Unions

The Associated Press reports:

HONOLULU -- The Hawaii House of Representatives has approved same-sex civil unions, sending the measure to the governor. The House voted 31-20 to give final legislative approval to civil unions Thursday. The bill passed the Senate in January. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle hasn't said whether she'll sign it.

The measure grants gay and lesbian couples the same rights and benefits the state provides to married couples. The issue was revived on the last day of this year's legislative session when House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro made a motion to reconsider it. The House declined to act earlier this year because of fears that the Democratic-controlled House wouldn't have enough votes to override Lingle if she vetoes it.