HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday spent a little more than an hour with supporters of civil unions in a private meeting in her office. The legislation would provide rights similar to marriage to unmarried couples.

The governor held a similar meeting with opponents of the legislation on Monday.

On Tuesday, supporters of the legislation included several ministers, including Archbishop Daniel Dahl of the Inclusive Orthodox Church, who wore a traditional black vestment and peaked cap. He emphasized separation of church and state, and said, “no one’s civil rights should be limited by another’s religious beliefs and prejudices.”

“This is not a threat to traditional marriage,” Dahl said. “If it was, I wouldn't be here.”

Supporters said the governor and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona heard historic, social and legal arguments and even scientific evidence that sexual orientation is not voluntary, but influenced by genetics, biochemistry and environment.

“Our marriage laws as they are currently written punish people. To discriminate against people on the basis of something which is beyond their control,” said Hannah Miyamoto, who said she was involved in research with the Pacific Center for Sex and Society in the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Others told personal stories. Suzanne King said she told the governor how important equality would be to her, her partner and their daughter.

“There was a lot of emotion,” King said. “Because it was an emotional issue. Whether you are talking faith, whether you are talking legal, whether you are talking family, it’s emotional.”

The governor did not give an indication of her position on HB 444. She has until June 21 to decide whether she will veto the legislation.