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Thursday, October 24, 2013 |
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Special Session: How to Testify
By News Release @ 4:10 PM :: 3608 Views
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Summary of Same-Sex Marriage Legislation - Senate Bill 1
What would this bill do?
- Legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii and give same-sex married couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of opposite-sex married couples, including parentage rights.
Whose religious liberties does this bill NOT exempt?
- Religious organizations that make a profit by allowing the general public to use their facilities or grounds for marriage ceremonies (This bill does not attempt to explain what would be considered "profit.");
- Small business owners who are asked to personally provide marriage-related services such as planning, food catering, photography, etc.;
- Government employees who would be processing same-sex marriage applications; and
- Judges who are asked to officiate at a same-sex marriage ceremony.
Who is exempted under this bill?
- Religious solemnizers who are licensed by the State to perform marriage ceremonies, including clergy, ministers, priests and rabbis, among others; and
- Religious organizations that do not 'profit' by allowing the general public to use its facilities or grounds for marriage ceremonies and those that merely accept donations from the public, provide religious services to the public, or otherwise allow the public to enter their premises.
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Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson
Minority Leader
District 31: Moanalua, Foster Village, Aiea
Rep. Beth Fukumoto
Minority Floor Leader
District 36: Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipio Acres
Download a copy of this "How to Testify" printable flyer here!
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How to testify on Senate Bill 1?
Where and when do I testify?
There are two public hearings scheduled that will allow you to testify twice. We recommend that you plan to testify in person.
- Monday, October 28th at 10:30 am Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, Senator Clayton Hee (Chair); Hawaii State Capitol Auditorium (basement level)
- Thursday, October 31st at 10:00 am House Joint Judiciary/Finance committees, Reps. Rhoads & Luke (Chairs); Hawaii State Capitol Auditorium (basement level)
How do I sign up to testify?
In order to be called to testify, you should submit written testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. Testimony can be submitted via email, mail, fax or in person. Check the back page for contact information.
Tips for submitting effective testimony:
- Your written testimony can be any length; however, short and to-the-point is more effective in general. You should always state your position at the top of the testimony along with your name.
- Your verbal testimony will be limited to two minutes or less. It does not have to be the same as the written testimony and can just highlight important points.
- Written testimony should be properly headed. See the “TESTIMONY HEADERS” box for sample headers for the Senate and House hearings.
- Written testimony should include your name, address, and opposition.
- All testimony is most effective when it is a personal and heartfelt message of how this will affect you, your family, and your community.
What can I expect at the committee hearing?
Once you submit written testimony, you should plan to attend the committee hearing. While there is no rule that governs the order of testimony, generally the first to testify are the Governor, State departments and other impacted organizations followed by individuals. Your name will be called when it is your turn. Be prepared to spend several hours waiting.
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Contact Information to Submit Testimony
SENATE
Senator Clayton Hee, Chair
Judiciary and Labor Committee
VIA MAIL: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 407
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
VIA FAX: (808) 586-7334
VIA EMAIL: JDLtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov
IN PERSON: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 407
HOUSE
Karl Rhoads, Chair
House Judiciary Committee
&
Sylvia Luke, Chair
House Finance Committee
VIA MAIL: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 302
415 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
VIA FAX: (808) 586-6189
VIA EMAIL: JUDSStestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov
IN PERSON: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 302
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Sample Openings for Written Testimony
For the Senate hearing: Hearing on 10/28 @ 10:30am (testimony due by email, fax or mail by 10/27 @ 10:30am)
Clayton Hee, Chair
Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor
Re: TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO SB 1 RELATING TO EQUALITY
Dear Honorable Chair Hee and Members of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor:
(TESTIMONY)
For the House joint hearing: Hearing on 10/31 time TBA (testimony due by email, fax or mail by 10/30 time TBA)
Karl Rhoads, Chair Sylvia Luke, Chair
House Judiciary Committee House Finance Committee
Re: TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO SB 1 RELATING TO EQUALITY
Dear Honorable Chairs Rhoads and Luke and Members of the House Judiciary and Finance Committees:
(TESTIMONY) |
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