After deliberating for weeks, Hawaii's governor has vetoed a bill that would have permitted same-sex civil unions, AP reports.

The veto came on Tuesday, as supporters of the bill waved rainbow flags and opponents prayed in the hallways for the veto. It was the final day that Republican Gov. Linda Lingle had to veto or sign the bill which the Hawaii Legislature approved at the end of April.

If Lingle had signed the bill, gay and lesbian couples would have been granted the same rights and benefits provided to married couples by the state.Hawaii would have also been made one of six states that essentially provide same-sex couples the rights of marriage without authorizing marriage itself. The District of Columbia and five other states allow same sex marriage.

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