Hawaii’s marriage ban has been on the books since 2003.
But in May, lawmakers passed a bill that makes it legal for same-sex couples to marry there.
The measure passed both houses of the legislature, but it’s now headed to the governor for signature.
Here’s what you need to know.
1.
What’s the issue?
The ban applies to all people regardless of sexual orientation.
But since its passage, it’s been the subject of intense controversy and heated debate.
On June 5, lawmakers voted to lift the ban and allow same-gender couples to wed.
On Monday, Hawaii Gov.
Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law allowing gay couples to file for a license to marry, but the state still has not issued licenses.
The state has not ruled out the possibility of changing the law in the future, but has said it has no intention of doing so until after the next presidential election.
2.
What does the law mean?
The new law makes it possible for couples to apply for a marriage license and can require the government to process the application and issue a marriage certificate.
A couple who has been married before can apply again.
However, if a marriage is denied, the couple must wait another six months before applying again.
The government must approve the applications within two months of the initial denial.
The ban is temporary until a judge issues an order to lift it. 3.
What is the impact on my marriage?
Same-sex marriage is still illegal in Hawaii.
But now couples can marry in the state.
It’s not clear how many couples are married legally and how many have been denied licenses because of the law.
A survey released this week by the Pew Research Center found that only 15 percent of Hawaii households have same-day marriage licenses, and only 17 percent of couples who were married in 2003 can now get married in 2018.
Gay marriage is legal in some states, including Washington, D.C., and Maryland, but same-, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people can’t marry in Hawaii or anywhere else in the U.S. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
