Hawaii has legalized same-sex marriages: Located on the famous beach of Waikiki, the first couple were married in front of hundreds guests now, including two retired professors. The US state now hopes to become a top address for wishing to marry gays and lesbians.
Six couples have made a start. In a resort on the beach of Waikiki, the first gay marriages took place in the history of Hawaii. Side by side and watched by hundreds of guests they gave themselves the marriage vows.
In mid-November had same-sex marriages allowed by law to the U.S. state. Now same-sex couples are allowed to marry there, and legally they are then assimilated to heterosexual married couples.
Among the first who dare on Monday settled after entry into force of the Act, was Saralyn Morales. “It’s about making the bond with the people officially, with which one wants to spend the rest of his life,” she said. Shortly before Morales was cut together with her partner Isajah a small wedding cake.
Among the first bridal couples were retired professors Rod Powell, 78, and Bob Eddinger, 74 The two are romantically involved with each other since they met in 1977 at the University of Hawaii. They have raised three children.
“I asked Bob: ‘Would you choose me again?’ And he looked at me and replied: ‘I choose you every day from,’ “Powell said,” I think that says it all about what we feel for each other.
With Hawaii have a total of 16 U.S. states and Washington DC gay marriage legalized. “We have chosen for this special day to as a significant step to celebrate our wedding in the transformation of society – towards more equality and justice,” Powell said.
Hawaii also still hoping for another positive effect, the Las Vegas-effect, if you will: a boom of gay and lesbian tourists to its islands. Scientists at the University of Hawaii expect the revenue by wishing to marry and honeymooners over the next three years by 217 million dollars (about 161 million euros) is expected to increase.
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