Hawaii Gov. Calls for Gay Marriage Vote

Get ready for some destination weddings. Hawaii took the first step toward gay marriage Tuesday, as Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie called for a special session of the legislature to vote on a bill that would legalize same-sex unions. “This is a question of equity,” Abercrombie said. “In a democracy, particularly in one that has our constitutional framework, equity that is fair treatment for everyone is a singular hallmark of it.” If approved, Hawaii would become the 13th state (in addition to Washington, D.C.) with legal gay marriage. Abercrombie has been considering a special session since June, when the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and granted federal benefits to same-sex couples in states where gay marriage is legal.