The biggest open secret in the landmark trial over same-sex marriage being heard in San Francisco is that the federal judge who will decide the case, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, is himself gay. Many gay politicians in San Francisco and lawyers who have had dealings with Walker say the 65-year-old...

HONOLULU (AP) – The Hawaii Senate approved same-sex civil unions Friday, potentially setting up the measure for final passage as soon as next week. The Senate passed the bill on an 18-7 vote, moving it to the House and signaling that the Senate’s Democratic majority has enough votes to override...

The Hawaii State House passed a measure in 2009 that would allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions within the state. The measure passed with 33 votes, nearly a super majority, but was unfortunately held up in the state Senate until the end of session. The bill passed both its first and second...