Date: 05 Dec 96 11:54:28 EST
From: Tom Hoemig <100522.30@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: ILGA Press Release: 4 December 1996 

HAWAIIAN VICTORY!

On the momentous occasion that Hawaii has recognized that lesbian and gay
couples are entitled to the same privileges as heterosexual married
couples, the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) sends its
warmest congratulations to the Hawaii Equal Marriage Rights Project
(HERMP), the three couples that originally launched the case in 1990,
lawyer Dan Foley, and supporters from around the world who supported the
campaign morally and financially.

While partnership rights have been recognized at national, provincial,
local and corporate levels, most notably in Scandinavia where Finland looks
set to join Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland in enacting legislation,
full marriage rights have never been granted.

While the decision will likely be appealed, it is time now for celebration
before the battle begins again. Jordi Petit and Inge Wallaert,
secretaries-general of ILGA, said today, "This victory is a great
inspiration for same-sex couples everywhere. Thanks to the determination of
all those involved in this case, the world has a concrete example of the
progresses that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities have
achieved, and proof that the state can and will grant us full equal rights.
It is only a matter of time before other states and countries follow suit."