House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Luke, vice chair: Oshiro

Tuesday, January 31, 2006, Conference Room 325

Testifier: Jean Aoki

Click here to view HB1233

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii strongly supports HB 1233 which would prohibit discriminatory practices in public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We believe that there is enough evidence that sexual orientation or gender identity is not a matter of choice but a natural occurrence. Excluding them from access to accommodations, employment, and education is unacceptable to a civilized society. The time when individuals could just chop down some trees to build homes, or stack sod to build huts is long gone. Society through the governments they establish must, through the policies they adopt, make it possible for people of all persuasions to have access to shelter. While individual financial circumstances are the common barrier, discrimination against certain groups of people is also an important barrier and must end. We urge the passage of HB 1233. Thank you for this opportunity to testify on HB 1233.