Hawaii Civil Union

Governor Linda Lingle vetoed legislation Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex civil unions, ending weeks of speculation about how they would act on the bill, which the legislature approved in April. "I'm open and consistent in my opposition to gay marriage, and find that House Bill 444 is essentially the same-sex marriage by another name," the governor, a Republican, said. The measure would have authorized same-sex couples the same rights and benefits the state provides to married couples. Ms. Lingle's decision is expected to be the last word on the proposal this year because House leaders have said they will not try to override her vetoes