2014 Hawaii Governor's race: on Civil Rights

Charles Djou: Supports traditional marriage but also domestic partnerships

A: I support traditional marriage. Marriage has both religious and civil implications. Marriage is undeniably a religious institution, in which a personal relationship between individuals is instituted and celebrated according to their religious beliefs. In addition, government has long conferred legal benefits and protections on married couples. In other words, marriage is also a public institution. This public institution has historically been limited to men and women, even where other relationships were respected. I support the continued restriction of marriage to an institution between men and women. This does not suggest that society should deny gays and lesbians the legal benefits of marriage. On the contrary, I support domestic partnerships. Domestic partnerships afford the same legal benefits of marriage while preserving the sanctity of the marital institution.