The Senate of the US state of Hawaii has approved same sex marriages.
The Senate voted with 19 to four to approve the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act of 2013.
If the governor signs the bill before November the 20th, as expected, Hawai`i will become the 15th US state plus the District of Columbia to legalise marriages between lesbian and gay couples.
The bill will go into effect on December the 2nd.
An estimate from a University of Hawaii researcher says the law will boost tourism by 217 million US dollars over the next three years, as Hawaii becomes an outlet for couples in other states, bringing ceremonies, receptions and honeymoons to the islands.
In the South Pacific, same sex marriages are possible in New Zealand and the French territories.
