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Yesterday I wrote that Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Brian Taniguchi was probably going to let the civil unions bill die, and he has done just that. From The Honolulu Advertiser and the AP:

The state Senate today rejected a motion to recall a civil-unions bill from committee, which likely means the bill is dead for the session.

The vote on the motion to pull the bill was 18 to 6 in opposition. Under the state Constitution, it takes the votes of nine of 25 senators to recall a bill from committee.

The bill, which passed the state House last month, would give same-sex partners the same rights, benefits and responsibility as married couples under state law.

The state Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee split 3-3 on the bill last month.

The Senate gallery was full of observers and a crowd gathered outside. Many in the crowd were wearing red, the symbol of opposition to civil unions.

The HRC has issued a statement as well. And Pam’s House Blend has a post on what happens next. After the jump.

What’s next over at Pam’s House Blend –Hawaii Civil Unions – The Disappointment.

“Today’s vote is a great disappointment for loving, committed Hawaiian lesbian and gay couples,” said Family Equality Coaltion Co-Chair Alan Spector. “We share the sadness of all who hoped this vote would go differently and that the state would take a step toward equality for all Hawaiians.”

“Today’s vote helps no one in the state of Hawaii. It protects no one’s marriage. It grants dignity to no couple’s relationship. It does nothing to ensure that all families receive the equal rights and responsibilities they deserve. But no one is giving up,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The Human Rights Campaign is proud to have partnered with the Family Equality Coalition on behalf of this critical legislation. It has been a long, hard struggle for couples and families in Hawaii who simply want equal rights, and this effort continues, as it does across the nation.”

And, on a related note, I’m getting real tired of that anti-gay red . . . .