Is Hawaii Next for Gay Marriage?

The island state that helped make gay marriage a national discussion could be the next state to legalize it after more than two decades.

Many credit a Hawaii case that started in 1990 with prompting action in courts, statehouses and Congress, leading to the federal Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 that was eventually struck down this year by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Now, a special session starting Monday could make Hawaii the newest state to formally legalize gay marriage, a move proponents say would finish the job and exemplify the state's fabled aloha spirit.

Opponents have taken up many fronts. Some argue that marriage between men and women is about children and society, not necessarily lovers. Others say the issue should go to a public vote.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.