The Hawai'i House of Representatives has passed in second reading an amended version of the same sex marriage bill.
The vote was 30 to 18, with 3 legislators excused.
The vote came after hours of procedural delays, involving several amendments introduced by Representatives who have stood in opposition to same-sex marriage - including two failed attempts to enact a Constitutional amendment to let the people decide and one motion to postpone a vote on the bill indefinitely.
House Speaker Joseph Souki said after the vote there were no surprises.
He said there were very strong feelings on both sides - one motivated to delay the bill, one to pass the bill - but he's glad that finally those who favored the bill prevailed.
House Minority Floor leader, Representative Beth Fukumoto described the process as flawed.
He said the proceeding was so rushed and the public wasn't heard fully.
The House is set to pass the bill in final reading tomorrow.