Constitutional Convention (Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004)
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Rep. Malia said I oppose this amendment. Seriously consider, if you have made up your mind, please reconsider the impact of moving a denial of rights into the constitution. I am not an eloquent speaker or one of the great minds in this House. But I am a member of this House and this body. I would like to ask each of you to please recognize even if it’s an uncomfortable concept, that the world we live in is an evolutionary creature. Our needs as people and humans and citizens of the US and this state are something that we come to our government for when we need recourse and change. The institution of marriage has never been rigid and inflexible. It has evolved. At one point, women were the property of their husbands when they were married. They had no rights. Thank god we don’t do that anymore. At one point, children 10 or 12 were married off. That was a norm and considered good for society. We no longer think in those terms. At one point not long ago in history, men and women who were married had their partners chosen for them. The concept of love was foreign and not necessary to the institution of marriage. It is a frightening and difficult process to think about going through a change, but it is our responsibility as legislators and citizens to begin to understand that the plaintiffs who went to court went there because they had no other recourse and they had very distinct needs. Something as vital as health insurance is denied to someone when most of us believe it is only fair. We have not been able for 12 years to get that issue on the House floor for a vote. We saw fellow citizens take advantage and use their right to go to court to have their grievances addressed. We have learned a tremendous amount. I am unbelievably moved by the depth and honesty of thought that has gone into these last two days of debate. I don’t recall a time when we have worked together and engaged difficult but honest issues in the manner we have in the last two days. I can’t change your hearts. I thank my colleague from Dalton. His remarks really moved me. They were really humbling and a bit embarrassing. Some folks were offended by personal references made over the last two days. I disagree respectfully in terms of saying there is no other way for those of us in the gay and lesbian community to convey the needs and the reality of our lives unless we tell you about them. Unless we tell you about Anna Bissonnette, a registered nurse. Her partner is a teacher who has done more good in a short period of time than I will ever be able to accomplish. She can not feel comfortable that if something happens to her, she can be visited in her hospital bed. The care and love shown is not something she can expect for sure. There are hundreds and hundreds of gay families. They are here. They are outside. Some of them are cheering. We complain about not hearing from people. Orderly, enthusiastic passionate people have been here today because this is a matter that profoundly affects their life. Not one person here if asked whether if I had a serious accident or heart attack, should Rita be able to visit me? I know that no one in this room would tell me no. I also know that the possibility exists that that’s an issue for me. If I were to die, my partner of 30 years might lose her home, our home that we have worked for and paid for. She would have to pay an incredible inheritance tax. Property values have gone through the roof. Look into your hearts. I understand it’s not a possibility for everyone. Do not carve in stone a status that is less than equal. Civil unions is a very very wonderful concept. It’s not enough. We have all learned that over the last couple of years. It would be carved into the constitution and it won’t fit the need that’s there. Seriously consider rejecting this proposal and let us move forward and continue the dialogue and debate and sharing of thoughts and feelings. The cynics have for a long time had the upper hand, complaining that political leaders don’t do thing. I never see members of the press stay in here for more than an hour. It’s a wonderful sight. Thank you Mr. President.
Almost all House members rose and applauded Rep. Malia’s speech.
MOTION TO RECESS UNTIL MARCH 10: At 9 pm, Sen. Sprague moved to recess the convention until March 10. By voice vote, the motion was loudly rejected.
SUSPENSION OF 9 PM RULE: Sen. Travaglini said it is now beyond 9 pm. The clear will of the body is to continue.