Obama Lauds Hawaiian Lawmakers for Approving Gay Marriage Bill

In a recent statement released by the White House, President Barack Obama applauded Hawaii's lawmakers for approving a bill that grants equal marriage rights to same-sex couples.

"I've always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today's vote makes me even prouder," Obama said in the press release.

On Tuesday the Hawaii Senate approved a gay marriage bill, setting up the Aloha State as the 15th state in the country to legalize marriage equality. Illinois lawmakers approved a bill legalizing gay marriage last week but Gov. Pat Quinn will sign the bill into law later this month. Hawaii's Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he will sign the bill on Wednesday.

Same-sex couple will be able to tie the knot starting December 2.

"I want to congratulate the Hawaii State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage equality," Obama said. "With today's vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law. Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger. By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation."

He added that he and Michelle Obama send their "best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families will now be now given the security and respect they deserve."