Hawaii is set to become the 15th state to legalize gay marriage after the state Senate passed a bill and now only requires the governor's signature.
And there isn't any worry Gov. Neil Abercrombie won't sign the bill as he himself called for a special session to get the bill passed and has been an outspoken supporter of same-sex marriage, CBS News reports.
He also released a statement saying he will sign the bill. Abercrombie said, "I look forward to signing this significant piece of legislation, which provides marriage equity and fully recognizes and protects religious freedoms."
The bill was never in any danger of failing as it easily passed the state Senate 19-4, which two excused votes. The bill will face a challenge from Rep. Bob McDermott, who filed a lawsuit over the special session, but was told the judge would only look at the case once the bill had passed.
According to Reuters, the bill will go into effect Dec. 2 and replace a 1994 statute that originally defined marriage as only between a man and woman.
"Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger," President Barack Obama said. "By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation."