Hawaii maybe next to join a small group of states that offer same-sex couples all of the state rights associated with marriage without the title itself.

In a 31-20 vote, the house passed a bill that will grant same-sex couples the same state rights and protections offered to married couples, if signed by the governor.

The Senate passed the civil unions bill in January.

The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Linda Lingle who has not vocalized any plan yet to veto or sign the bill.

Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California and New Jersey are the current states that offer equal state rights to same-sex couples without the title or contract of marriage.

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